LeBron James posted a triple-double in the Lakers 112-107 win over the Thunder inside the Staples Center on Tuesday night.
He scored 25 points to go along with 11 rebounds and 10 assists. He probably would’ve scored more if it weren’t for the defensive play of Deonte Burton.
Burton, who was recalled from the OKC Blue on Sunday specifically for Oklahoma City’s West Coast road trip, drew the task of guarding James during the fourth quarter.
The Oklahoman broke down James’ shot sequence after Burton entered the game with 9:41 remaining.
He immediately forced James into a 17-foot fadeaway that caromed off the backboard and barely grazed the rim. A minute later he bullied through a screen and, along with Nerlens Noel, trapped James into a turnover. James sized up Burton eight seconds later, but Burton stayed disciplined in his stance as James missed a 16-footer. Then came another James missed fadeaway jumper from 12 feet with Burton closely contesting him. James was 1-of-5 with a turnover in the fourth quarter with Burton on the floor.
As noted by Joe Mussatto, although Terrance Ferguson was initially assigned to guard LeBron, Burton’s “240-pound frame is a more even match for James.”
It’s unlikely that Burton is going to step in to completely fill the defensive void left by Paul George. But he will get the opportunity to see if he can be a consistent big body to go up against strong, physical wings when the Lakers come to town on Friday night.