The “King” LeBron James-led Los Angeles Lakers have been showing a remarkable improvement lately, winning seven of their last eight games and making them as Playoffs ready as any other team in the Western Conference.
After leading his team to a 135-133 overtime victory with a 35-point, 5-rebound, and 6-assist performance, LeBron James attempted a clutch layup that earned the Lakers the win.
Skip Bayless, the controversial sports analyst and longtime LeBron James critic, recently took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the Los Angeles Lakers’ recent win against the Utah Jazz. While Bayless expressed excitement about the Lakers’ performance, he couldn’t resist taking a jab at James in the process.
NOOOOOOOOOOO. LEBRON LEFT A LEFT-HANDED LAYUP SHORT AND OFF THE FRONT OF THE RIM. OVERTIME. ANOTHER BLOWN LEAD. NO CLUTCH/CLOSER GENE. SHOULD'VE FED THE BEAST, AD.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 5, 2023
In his tweet, which was typical of Bayless’ animated style, he wrote, “LeBron finally drove it and made the layup to win the game by two – redeeming himself for the blown layup at the end of regulation. I am loving this Lakers team.” The tweet seemed to suggest that James has a history of choking in clutch moments, which is a criticism that Bayless has leveled at him for years.
Regardless of the debate surrounding James’s clutch performance, the Lakers still have a shot at avoiding the Play-in games and securing a spot in the playoffs. With three games remaining in the regular season, the team is tied with the 6th seed Clippers and has a 0.5 game differential with the 5th seed Warriors.
LeBron misses the potential game-winning layup.
Jazz force overtime! pic.twitter.com/lbDgOlvhyA
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 5, 2023
Avoiding the Play-in games would not only give the team much-needed rest but also match them up against the Kings, providing them with an opportunity to prepare for tougher opponents in the playoffs.
In conclusion, while Skip Bayless’s tweet about LeBron James’s clutch performance may have been controversial, it is just one aspect of the Lakers’ season. The team’s recent success has put them in a good position to secure a spot in the playoffs and compete against some of the best teams in the Western Conference.
LeBron James Leads Lakers to Overtime Victory Against Jazz, Sets Up Crucial Matchup with Clippers
The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 135-133 overtime victory over the Utah Jazz, pushing their winning streak to four games and giving them sole possession of the sixth seed. The game was a tightly contested affair, with both teams missing key players. Lakers’ Austin Reaves scored nine early points, while Anthony Davis dominated the paint, adding 10 points of his own.
Despite the strong start, the Lakers only held a one-point lead after the opening quarter. Dennis Schröder, who got the nod in the starting lineup in place of D’Angelo Russell, heated up in the second quarter, scoring 18 points and 4 assists, while Rui Hachimura added 17 points off the bench.
The Jazz stayed close for most of the game, and even took the lead with just under 10 minutes remaining. However, the Lakers’ dynamic duo of James and Davis regained control, extending the lead back to double digits. A late surge from Utah, including a 10-0 run, sent the game to overtime, where Kelly Olynk hit a clutch three to give the Jazz the lead. But a jumper from Reaves, and crucial free throws from James secured the victory for the Lakers.
The win sets up a huge matchup against their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, with both teams sitting at 41-38. Clippers’ head coach Ty Lue has dubbed this the “first meaningful game” between the two teams, as they have never played against each other in a postseason scenario.
However, the Lakers’ biggest question mark is the availability of their big three, with Russell missing the game against the Jazz, and uncertainty surrounding Davis and James. Lakers Nation will be eagerly awaiting updates ahead of this crucial game.
