LeBron James plays big with a triple-double and the Lakers end losing streak
“I just told the team that, they kind of laughed at first like it was no big deal, but I’m like, ‘I don’t think you guys realize what this guy just did. He just played the five for four quarters and dominated at the position and played it while playing point guard,’ ” Lakers interim coach David Fizdale said. “Ah, my gosh, this guy is unbelievable. I can’t help it, man.
Fittingly, the plan to downsize came against Houston, which once eschewed conventional centers to play small in order to create better driving lanes for then-Rocket Westbrook. In part because of Westbrook’s presence on this Lakers roster, teams have been able to pack the paint against the Lakers, making them play inside of a shoebox instead of an open, balanced floor.
Stricken with a COVID-19 outbreak that still has regulars such as Trevor Ariza and Austin Reaves out of the rotation and coach Frank Vogel working from a couch and a monthlong absence of Anthony Davis while he nurses a knee injury, the Lakers were running out of choices. Lakers guard Malik Monk dunks next to Houston Rockets’ Christian Wood during the first half Tuesday in Houston.The teams traded turns pushing into the paint without much resistance. Earlier in December, Vogel declared the “open” man the most talented on the court. On Tuesday in Houston, talent was everywhere — because defenders were nowhere.
Westbrook and James teamed up in two-man combinations down the stretch that Houston couldn’t come close to solving. Fizdale called that stretch a key moment of growth for the two — and something the Lakers need more of.
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