Los Angeles Lakers succumbed to a 92-100 loss to Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of the first-round playoffs. To make matters worse, the defending champions only had Anthony Davis on the court for 19 minutes before leaving due to a groin injury. LeBron James aims to shoulder the responsibility as they head to Phoenix for the crucial fifth game.
The four-time MVP managed to score 25 points and win 11 rebounds, but missed the presence of Anthony Davis on the court. The former New Orleans star has been pivotal so far in the series despite an abysmal first game. He proceeded to score 34 points in each of Lakers’ two wins so far.
The severity of the injury is yet to be determined, which makes the status of Davis for the upcoming games in severe doubt.
Despite battling injuries and being 36-years-old, LeBron James feels that he will be able to carry this team should Davis be unavailable for the games ahead.
“These shoulders were built for a reason,” he said. “So, if it takes for me to put some more on top of it, then so be it. Win, lose or draw, I’m ready for the challenge.”
LeBron James is yet to be eliminated in the first round of playoffs so far in his career and will hope to steer the defending champions to overcome the Phoenix Suns.
“Well, I mean, the best teacher in life is experience. So me personally? I look forward to the challenge. However the hand is dealt, I’ll be ready to play it,” James added
More touches for LeBron could be a blessing, says Frank Vogel
Lakers head coach Frank Vogel recounted his days of coaching against LeBron James and believed that more touches for LeBron could mean bad news for the opposition.
“When I competed against the Miami Heat, and either [Dwyane] Wade or [Chris] Bosh was out, that meant more touches for Bron,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said. “And that wasn’t always a good thing for my Pacers teams.”
The decade long version of Lebron James returning seems unlikely, but the ace player still has the influence to dictate games and the Lakers would be in dire need of it for the rest of the series.
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