LeBron James Inspires Lakers To Huge Weekend

LeBron James enjoyed his best spell as a Laker this past weekend, according to Los Angeles coach Frank Vogel.

The Lakers won crucial games against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday and the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. LeBron James played like a man with something to prove in those games, because he did have something to prove.

In the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James faced the two strongest rivals for his crown.

Giannis is the reigning league MVP, while Kawhi is the reigning Finals MVP. In the context of his disappointing first Lakers season, getting the best of them was crucial for LeBron and his team.

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“LeBron was unbelievable,” Frank Vogel said. 

“This was his best weekend in a Lakers uniform. He really dominated both games and helped close them out.”

LeBron had 28 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds to help seal a 112 – 103 win over the Clippers, who are the only team to have beaten the Lakers twice this season.

It was his defensive hustle towards the end of the game that inspired the rest of the Lakers players to see it out.

“He didn’t get rewarded for those plays, but for me, that didn’t go unnoticed,” Lakers backup point guard Rajon Rondo told ESPN. 

“He tried to take a charge. Then he’s down on the court getting the loose ball.

“When you got the oldest guy on the team doing that, everybody else is going to follow. The plays he makes are contagious.”

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“I prepare myself both in my body and my mind and to endure anything, even at this stage in my career,” James said. 

“I know what it takes for me to prepare mentally and physically and go out and perform on a high level, and it’s my responsibility to put this team in a position to be successful. They look at me as a leader. It’s my job not only on the floor to give guys opportunities, get them great looks, but inspire them as well and show them I’m not slowing down, even at this stage in my career.”