On April 29th, Beijing time, as the Suns were swept out by the formidable Timberwolves, LeBron James and the Lakers finally breathed a sigh of relief. The next step for LeBron and the Lakers was merely becoming the second team eliminated, even if they were to head home. They saved themselves at the brink.
Anthony Davis’s performance in this game was spectacular, but his eruption was significantly influenced by a criticism from LeBron. The pivotal moment for the Lakers’ victory came when Anthony Davis was criticized by LeBron after a defensive lapse. Subsequently, they dominated the Nuggets, not allowing a single mistake.
The Los Angeles Lakers upheld their dignity and ultimately defeated the Nuggets, winning at home to narrow the series to 1-3. Although they were still trailing by a significant margin, they avoided being swept, which was a relief. In the crucial third quarter, Anthony Davis made a serious mistake, and LeBron criticized his teammate on the spot.
At that moment, the Lakers maintained a 15-point lead at 77:62. However, Davis left his assignment open, allowing Porter Jr. to make a three-pointer. Despite the Lakers’ 15-point lead and Davis being LeBron’s close friend, LeBron was visibly displeased and directly criticized Davis for his crucial defensive lapse.
Although the Lakers maintained a 15-point lead and Davis had a good performance, LeBron’s criticism indicated his strong desire to win. Normally, he wouldn’t criticize Davis on the court, considering him a close friend. However, Davis’s mistake was significant, especially against Porter Jr., who had been consistent from outside. After that incident, Davis didn’t make any mistakes on the court and finished the game with 25 points, 23 rebounds, and only 2 turnovers.
In addition, in the fourth quarter, LeBron was visibly unhappy with a missed call by the referee regarding Ham on the sidelines. He shouted and gestured angrily towards him and the assistant coaches. With these actions, his teammates understood LeBron’s mindset and determination—to scrutinize every detail and make every possession count. His body language and actions showed his strong desire to win, motivating his teammates to secure the victory. These two moments were crucial for the Lakers’ win, while the Suns’ loss was attributed to Durant’s lack of leadership compared to LeBron.