The Los Angeles Lakers had an opportunity to oust the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 5 on Wednesday. Instead of moving on to the second round of the playoffs, they fell to Ja Morant and company, 116-99.
Perhaps the biggest reason was the play of LeBron James, who shot 5-of-17, scored 15 points and turned the ball over five times. It was an uncharacteristically bad performance from the four-time MVP, and it led to some speculation that perhaps he is wearing down after playing three games in the last five days.
James was blunt about how poorly he played, but Anthony Davis, who carried L.A. with 31 points and 19 rebounds, says he isn’t concerned about him.
“He’s the greatest basketball player to ever touch the court. He’ll be fine.”
– Anthony Davis on LeBron pic.twitter.com/5ufky62RGz
— Masked 🎭 (@MaskedInLA) April 27, 2023
“After Game 2 when I played like crap, I had my head down and he was telling me to keep my head up, and I kind of just relayed that same message to him tonight,” Davis said. “‘You have the most points scored ever. You’re the greatest basketball player to ever touch the court.’ So, it’s fine. He’ll be fine. He’ll adjust. He’ll get better. Our team will get better and Friday is another opportunity to close the series.”
Game 6 will be in Los Angeles on Friday, and perhaps the home crowd will energize James so he will perform the way he usually does.
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