Los Angeles Lakers reached a very important milestone after beating Utah Jazz 116-108. The Yellow and Purple clinched the number one seed in the West Conference playoffs. The Lakers have achieved this feat after ten long years. Also, it is under the leadership of LeBron James. They looked really solid heading into the playoffs.
There is also an emotional quotient involved with the Lakers this season mainly with Kobe Bryant’s sudden demise. The Mamba gave his all for the Lakers and now the team wants to win the championship as an honour to the legend.
What LeBron Said About His Partnership With Davis?
They went through a very tough period where they last achieved this feat of being the best in the west was back in 2010, under Kobe’s leadership.
Therefore the Lakers are going all in for the championship and especially after struggling in his first season James is determined to redeem himself this season. Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet caught up with LeBron after the Jazz victory to hear his views on clinching #1 seed in their conference.
“It is a huge accomplishment for our franchise. To know where we have been in the last few years, to be able to know that we are the #1 seed in the west. We set out to do that from the beginning of the season.”
James is obviously happy that he has led the team to a much better position than last year and after years of struggle, the Lakers fans have a lot to cheer about their team this season.
What James Went On To Add?
Besides James’ experience and leadership, a very crucial addition to the roster has been that of Anthony Davis. AD has been the vital cog for coach Frank Vogel’s team, his two-way game has impressed everyone starting from the fans to the critics. The 27-year old is one of the top contenders to win the Defensive Player of the Year.
Davis had an off day against Raptors but he was back at his best against the Jazz scoring 42 points and registering 12 rebounds and four assists. This was his second big performance in the bubble since the restart, the first one was against the Clippers.
His performances have also impressed his teammate and four-time MVP, LeBron James who had a lot to say about his teammate. “It is everything that I dreamed of. I understand and I know the talent level he possesses out on the floor both on the interior and on the perimeter.”
What LeBron Concluded By Saying?
“He is one of those unicorn type players who can do it all.”
Further, he lauded AD’s incredible talents and his ability to deliver clutch shots just like he did against the Jazz. “He is definitely a special guy.”
Currently, it looks like a dream partnership as both AD and James have been complimenting each other brilliantly. If they want to win the championship, they should improve on scoring more field goals, an area where they struggled against the Clippers and Raptors.
However, they had an improved 50% field goals rate against the Jazz. Coach Vogel will have to make sure that they do not repeat the same mistake again later in the season.
