The Los Angeles Lakers narrowly edged out their rivals, the Clippers, in the second official game of the NBA return. It was intense right from the start, with both teams going at it hammer and tongs. But in the end, the Lakers sneaked away the win by just two points. Despite having a bad start, it was the King, LeBron James himself, who sealed the win for the Lake Show.

But what caught the attention of the viewers was that LeBron changed shoes after he had a terrible start to the game. In the second half, he came in wearing an alternate version of the ‘Command Force’ Nike LeBron 17.

And then, after going 2/11, he changed it up. Early in the third quarter, during a timeout, LeBron switched it up and brought out an unseen version of the Nike LeBron 17 Low.

LeBron James: Clutch performer

Prior to the shoe change, LeBron was 2/11. After the change, he went 4/8, which included two bombs from deep. So that shoe change led to an FG% change too, from 18% to 50%.

With less than two minutes left on the clock, Paul George hit a three to close the gap to just one. LeBron then drove into traffic and finished a difficult layup to get the lead back up to three. But later, with less than 30 seconds left, George hit another three to tie the game.

Trending

Heat Injury Report: Latest On Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson Ahead of Game 2 vs Celtics

April 24, 2024 02:46 PM EDT

What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees

April 22, 2024 08:05 PM EDT

“So Rigged”: All Hell Breaks Loose as Jamal Murray Forces LeBron James’ Lakers Into Bitter Embarrassment

April 23, 2024 06:21 AM EDT

Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer

March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT

Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $61 Million Arrival in Talladega Saw Unusual Absence of Wife Yvette Prieto

April 22, 2024 03:36 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

When it’s time for the big plays, the big players step up. LeBron drove in and went for a floater, but missed. But still determined, he managed to get the rebound and finished off with a clutch layup to give them the lead.

The Clippers had 12.8 seconds to either tie or look for a winner. Kawhi Leonard got the inbound pass, but LeBron refused to let him breathe. Unable to break LeBron with a pump fake, he passed it to George with less than five seconds remaining. LeBron switched on to George immediately and clamped him up as George missed hail-mary attempt from the three-point line.

After having a horrible start, he knew he had to improve. He ended with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. The King stepped up when it mattered.

Sources:

NBA Kicks on Twitter

NBA Kicks on Twitter

Lakers vs Clippers