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LeBron James: “I’m A Swiss Army Knife”, On Dismantling Pelicans With a Stellar All-Round Performance

Published 04/14/2024, 8:58 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

LeBron James turned up for one of his season’s biggest games to mount the Lakers on the 8th seed. Moreover, the 4-time champion made sure his teammates reap the benefits. James’ dished 13 halftime assists, building a massive 28 points, 17 assists, and 11 rebounds triple-double. As a result, the Lakers led 77-99 entering the fourth, and Anthony Davis‘ early exit did not affect their play-in journey. Ending the season on a superstar-like performance, LBJ couldn’t help but walk back on the season that marked him a regular on the injury list.

“It was a good regular season for us even throughout everything that’s went on. To end the season 12 games over .500, it was a pretty good season,” the 39-year-old said. Moreover, highlighting his leadership role, and learning to guide the Lakers’ crew, James compared his skills to the versatility of a Swiss army knife. He claims, “I just want to win. I’ve got to do it all. I’m a Swiss army knife. I’ve got to do it all on the floor.” He was doing it all for the Lakers in the last regulation game. His 13 assists mark his highest before halftime in his 21-year career!

Moreover, his 17 assists come as his season high. As a result, all five of the Los Angeles Lakers‘ starters notched double-digit scoring, enabling Anthony Davis to an efficient 13 of 17 shooting display (76%). On the other hand, as the majority of top teams are already practicing for the playoffs, the Lakers still have a stretch to triumph for the same.

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USA Today via Reuters

Regardless, LeBron James’ performance pits them in the best possible situation. As they garner the 8th seed, LBJ and crew will have 2 shots for their post-season chances. This gives them a broader leeway than the 9/10th seeded teams, who are in a go-big or go-home situation.

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Does LeBron James and the Lakers have a way with the Pelicans?

The Lakers are 3-1 against the New Orleans Pelicans this season. Of the 4 games, 2 matchups came during a pivotal juncture in their campaign. Their initial face-off against the Pels came on December 7 as part of the In-Season Tournament semi-finals. The purple and gold never gave Zion Williamson’s crew a chance. They intensified their defense, preventing any Pelicans player from scoring past 14 points, mounting a dominant 89-133 win.

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That being mentioned, the Lakers are not a flawless squad. They have struggled to establish control in the initial quarters against the Pelicans. Moreover, as LeBron commends Zion Williamson, saying, “It’s almost impossible to stop him so I just tried to keep a body on him and just tried to keep it tough on him,” he unwillingly highlights the Lakers’ rebounding struggles against Pels (even in the winning games). With that, their latest win simply hands them more tools to maneuver and not a clear edge.

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Clearly, the Lakers regularly need LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the court. With a notable game from D’Angelo Russell, his 30-point game on February 9, James and AD have by far been the most consistent players. James averages 28.3 points and 11.8 assists vs Pels, and Davis records 21.5 points and 10.5 rebounds; as the remaining crew puts up varying numbers.

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Written by:

Saahil Dhillan

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Saahil Dhillan is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports who discovered his basketball passion through the dynamic between Miami's LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Years later, Kobe Bryant reignited his love, transforming him into an extensive contributor who savors the matches, covers games live, analyzes post-game pressers, and reports on injuries. With his stories, he aims at making readers feel the intense drama unfolding on the court every day.
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Edited by:

Daniel D'Cruz