The Los Angeles Lakers had a good weekend, as they went 2-0 against two teams they may see down the line. They beat the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday and the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.
The Bucks are currently the best team in the league with a record of 53-12. The Clippers are second in the Western Conference with a record of 43-20. The Clippers still have a way to go before they catch the Lakers (who are 49-13), but continue to chase their division rival.
The Lakers lost to both of these teams throughout the season before getting wins over the weekend. The Bucks beat them on December 19. This game was in Milwaukee and gave the Bucks a 1-0 lead over the Lakers. Despite 36 points from Anthony Davis, the Bucks managed to get the win.
On the other hand, the Clippers beat the Lakers twice this season, one of the games being on Christmas Day. The Clippers are 2-1 in this series, with one more game in April.
The Lakers’ wins over the Bucks and Clippers were critical and gave the Lakers a chance to make a statement. Don’t count them out.
One of the biggest reasons for their win was their star player in veteran forward LeBron James. As a competitor, James knew what these two games meant. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the leading MVP candidate and Kawhi Leonard should receive (some) recognition as well. James took on the challenge of guarding them both, as well as trying to match them on the offensive end. And he did just that.
In the win over the Bucks, James finished the game with 37 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. He also shot 57 percent from the field. In the win over the Clippers, he finished with 28 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. James averages 25.7 points, 10.6 assists and 7.8 rebounds this season, and in March averages 30.3 points, 11.0 assists and 8.8 rebounds. The Lakers are 4-0 this month and have lost only one game since the All-Star break.
Since then, James has played well, including a 40-point game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The 35-year old has defied Father Time and continues to amaze fans and media alike. So much so, he may be the MVP winner.
Make no mistake, Antetokounmpo remains the favorite, but as James turns back the clock, he definitely has a great case.
Featured Image Courtesy of Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo
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