Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is a uncommon breed, in contrast to something we’ve ever seen. It is unreal how effectively he continues to play at age 38, having logged 20 seasons within the NBA. He’s one of many best hoopers of all time, however in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals in opposition to the Denver Nuggets, we noticed James produce some moments we aren’t used to seeing from the King.
During his 20 years within the Association, LeBron has been one of many extra fierce and highly effective in-game dunkers who not often miscues as soon as he takes flight. James’ breakaway transition dunks have turn out to be a signature transfer within the repertoire that followers sit up for. Once he will get going downhill at high velocity, it’s a sight to behold when he hits peak top hovering via the air. But on Thursday evening in Denver in opposition to the Nuggets, James had a few oops moments, one in every of which occurred throughout his try at a breakaway dunk that may’ve amazed even essentially the most hardcore fan within the mile-high metropolis.
It wasn’t like James missed the dunk; he by no means bought to aim it as a result of the ball simply slipped out of his arms. That’s not one thing we’re used to seeing from King James. Probably wants extra child powder nowadays. Or much less child oil, who is aware of? James missed a simple layup on the rim at one other level and regarded bewildered afterward.
LeBron flopped, once more
There was additionally a humorous second the place James was guarding Nikola Jokić and knocked the ball free, and as each males chased after the ball, James flopped egregiously as if he’d been run over by a freight prepare. It’s solely notable as a result of this incident got here a bit of over per week after Lakers head coach Darvin Ham stated his workforce doesn’t “teach flopping” in response to Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s claims that LA was going overboard with their flopping.
“We don’t teach flopping. We teach our players to play downhill and attack the paint and be forceful,” Ham stated.
On this play in opposition to the Nuggets, James clearly flopped, however it labored and bought the ref’s consideration. The worst half was him sliding throughout the court docket into the primary row and knocking over some man’s beer. I’d really feel actually unhealthy if that was a fan who needed to scrape collectively pennies to buy that one beverage. Clearly, sitting that shut at an NBA convention finals sport, he’s not searching for free change in between the sofa cushions. But LeBron had fairly the evening that, sadly for LaLa land, led to one other loss and the Lakers returning residence in a 2-0 gap.