NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins believes LeBron James’ defensive commitment is a key factor behind Lukadon Sic’s breakout performance in the Los Angeles Lakers’ key Game 2 victory.
The Lakers even out the series, which approached Donsic’s triple double with 31 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists, in a 94-85 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
According to Perkins, Luka Donsic’s offensive explosion was made possible directly by LeBron’s extraordinary defensive versatility and efforts on the opposite side of the floor.
“This was the best game that Luka had, from top to bottom, as he was a laker,” Perkins explained in The Road Trippin Podcast.
“Bron set the tone defensively all night. He started defending Anthony Edwards. Suddenly he defended Julius Randle and then he saw him protect Rudy Goat.”
The former NBA champion continued: “I say OK cool,” Bron is asked to do that much. Luka needs to be aggressive and aggressive. ”
LeBron James still made a significant contribution to the offense with 21 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, but his defensive impact proved to be game-changing.
The 39-year-old superstar showed off an incredible versatility, defended multiple positions and also served as the Lakers’ de facto center when he deployed a small lineup.
When Jackson Hayes was smashed over for Dorian Finney Smith, James seamlessly slipped into the center position and handled a matchup with Goatbert, running the switch perfectly against surrounding threats like Edwards and Naz Reed.
LeBron’s defensive leadership has had dramatic results for La Lakers, particularly beyond the Ark.
After Minnesota torched the Lakers with 21 3-pointers in a ferocious 50% clip in Game 1, James helped keep the Timberwolves in a 20% attitude from the deep layer of Game 2.
The defensive transformation was most prominent among Minnesota’s leading scorers. The leads managed only one three-pointer, with Edwards and Randle being limited to two each.
For Lakers fans, the performance introduces the potentially championship-level ceiling of their improved roster when Don Sic’s offensive glow is combined with LeBron’s defensive leadership.