LeBron James handed up a layup winner on the finish of regulation because the LA Lakers fell to the Houston Rockets 139-130 in additional time on Wednesday. Many have in contrast the state of affairs to what Ben Simmons did in Recreation 7 in opposition to the Atlanta Hawks in final yr’s playoffs. However Chris Broussard believes the comparability is unfair.
The Lakers had the ball off the shot clock, tied with the Rockets at 120 apiece. Everybody anticipated James to take the final shot, and he had a very good have a look at a journey to the sting. As a substitute, he handed out to Carmelo Anthony for 2 longs which he missed, sending the sport into additional time.
This error raised recurring questions on James’ late-game aggression. It has been a speaking level all through his 19-year profession. Comparisons to Simmons’ sport have additionally began circulating on Twitter, which is unfair, as Broussard mentioned in “The Odd Couple,” posted on Fox Sports activities’ YouTube channel. At 6:30 a.m., Broussard mentioned:
“Lots of people have identified a few of his story. I do not suppose it was as dangerous as Ben Simmons. Just like the scene (wasn’t the identical). … I disagree with placing him within the Simmons class, however LeBron ought to have fired.
James ought to have shot, however that was within the common season, in comparison with Simmons, who handed out following a layup in Recreation 7 within the playoffs. The batteries on this state of affairs are merely very completely different.
What does this imply for LeBron James’ season?
With discuss already of LeBron James presumably shutting down on the finish of this horrible Lakers season, this looks as if the primary glimpse of that chance. Stephen A. Smith is undoubtedly starting to consider this.
“LeBron James is going to shut down early! You heard me, LeBron James is going to end his season the second week of April.”@stephenasmith already name him 👀 https://t.co/fC2hGD5Rj1
It is smart that some members of the NBA media are beginning to purchase into this concept. The Lakers (28-37 getting into Friday’s sport in opposition to the Washington Wizards), who’re ninth within the West, might miss out on the qualifying match. Russell Westbrook was a disappointment and Anthony Davis had one other injury-riddled season.
Regardless of James’ triple-double (23 factors, 14 rebounds and 12 assists), the Lakers misplaced to the entry workforce with the worst report within the NBA. The remainder of the Lakers roster stepped in to assist on offense however had been horrible on protection, permitting 139 factors.
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This sport in opposition to the Rockets may very well be the ultimate straw for James, as this Lakers season simply acquired worse.