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The Indiana Pacers defied the odds and beat LeBron James and the LA Lakers 116-115 on a buzzer-beater shot by rookie Andrew Nembhard.
The Lakers blew a 17-point lead in the final quarter. This loss was especially tough because the team was at home and all three of their star players were available. LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook could all be in the Hall of Fame when their careers are done. They just lost to a team that doesn’t have anyone on their roster with that type of resume.
The Lakers shouldn’t let games like this slip away. On ESPN’s “NBA Today” former player and analyst Kendrick Perkins didn’t hold back on who he thought was at fault for the loss. He placed the blame on LeBron James.
"How in the hell did Anthony Davis only shoot two shots? Why didn't LeBron James take control and go to the point guard position and force-feed Anthony Davis?" - Kendrick Perkins
James scored 21 points and had seven rebounds and only three assists. The 21 points came on 8-for-22 shooting from the floor. To Perkins’ point, the game should have been to bet Anthony Davis more shots during the fourth quarter. Davis had 25 points on 9-for-15 shooting against the Pacers.
If LeBron had focused on getting Davis more involved, the team may have gotten some better shots that would have helped maintain the Lakers' lead.
Anthony Davis as the number one option
If the Lakers want to be successful going forward, it may be time for the team to shift its focus more towards Anthony Davis.
The team showed success during LeBron James’ absence with Davis being forced to take over and be the main offensive focus. He put up historic numbers when he had multiple games scoring 30+ points and 15+ rebounds.
With James back in the line-up, the ball should still find its way to Davis more. This is what the team was envisioning when they traded for the younger version of him.
Although James still plays at a high level in season number 20, it doesn’t mean that he should be the focal point of the offense. In the last game against the Pacers, there is no reason James should have only had just three assists. He also shouldn’t have taken seven more shots from the field than Davis.
