In the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies, LeBron James wasn’t at his best. Yet, the Los Angeles Lakers were able to still get past Ja Morant and company without too much trouble in six games.
The Lakers now start what should be an enthralling Western Conference semifinal series against the Golden State Warriors, and it will be a stiff challenge for both teams.
James averaged 22.2 points a game versus Memphis while shooting 48.6% from the field and 67.7% from the free-throw line, and that number of points at a substandard level of efficiency simply will not get it done against the defending world champs.
If he ramps it up in these three areas, the Lakers should have a good chance of advancing to the Western Conference finals.