On Tuesday, LeBron James’ defensive woes against Steph Curry and the Warriors were summed up towards the end of the first half. Curry bamboozled James with a pump fake on the 3-point line and drove to the rim. After the Lakers star failed to track back and attempt to stop his rival’s attempt, LA’s play-by-play announcer Bill McDonald mocked the four-time MVP’s effort.
“Steph, at the rim, as he went right around LeBron, who was there like a traffic cone,” McDonald said.
James was 3 of 6 from the floor in the first half, scoring six points. He had two rebounds and four assists, but those came with three turnovers. He was also a team worse -13.
Unlike his first two games, the 39-year-old didn’t seem as engaged, especially defensively. He was often getting beaten on the boards and the perimeter. James’ lack of sharpness on offense only amplified his struggles.
His night ended after the third quarter. James couldn’t add to his six points after missing all three attempts in the second half. He had no attempts from the 3 or the free throw line.
LeBron James and Lakers drop preseason game to Warriors
LeBron James and the Lakers lost their preseason outing against rivals, the Warriors 111-97. LA’s main rotation or the bench couldn’t execute much offensively or defensively. The Lakers shot a measly 35.8%, including 11 of 40 from 3. Meanwhile, the Warriors made 45.8% of their shots, including 14 of 45 from 3.
Anthony Davis was LA’s best performer after he tallied 24 points, 12 rebounds and two assists in 26 minutes, shooting 10 of 14. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura scored 13 and 15 points, respectively. They didn’t shoot as well, going a combined 8 of 22, but got to the line 10 times and made nine free throws.
The rest couldn’t shoot well from the floor or find other ways to impact the game, leading to the team’s loss. The Warriors exploited the Lakers’ defensive limitations, especially in the starting lineup. LA doesn’t have an athletic point-of-attack defensive presence in that group, making it easier for the Warriors to use their pace on offense and unsettle the Lakers’ defense.
LeBron James and Co. will hope to recover when the teams face again in Friday’s preseason showdown. LeBron, in particular, will have to play better to give his team a chance of recording its second preseason win.
