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James: Lakers Must Guard More Than Just Durant
17 Apr
Summary
- LeBron James emphasizes Lakers must watch Rockets' entire team.
- Key Lakers players Doncic and Reaves are out with injuries.
- Durant downplays individual matchup, focusing on team play.
As the NBA playoffs commence, LeBron James has issued a warning to the Los Angeles Lakers, emphasizing that Kevin Durant is not the sole danger posed by the Houston Rockets.
The Lakers are set to begin their first-round series against the Rockets on Saturday in Los Angeles. This matchup revives a long-standing rivalry between James and Durant, stretching back to their NBA Finals encounters in 2012 and 2017.
James acknowledged Durant as the primary threat but stressed that the Rockets possess a formidable supporting cast. He specifically mentioned Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith as players requiring vigilance from the Lakers. This caution is especially critical as the Lakers are contending with injuries to key offensive players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, whose return dates remain uncertain.
Lakers coach JJ Redick recognizes the increased burden on James, anticipating he will need to facilitate, score, defend, and rebound. Durant himself has also downplayed the focus on a one-on-one duel, stating that the series involves much more than just two star players competing.
