LeBron James’s Lakers are beginning to take shape, and they showed their progress and potential in a resounding 127–101 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day.
While the Lakers are now decidedly LeBron’s team, Los Angeles dominated Golden State in Oakland using a mix of players that didn’t need even include LeBron after the superstar left the game in the 3rd quarter with a mild groin injury.
The Lakers moved to 20-14 with their victory, moved to 4th place in the difficult Western Conference.
James recorded a double-double in only 21 minutes on the court before exiting with his injury. He contributed 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists to Los Angeles’s winning effort.
Also contributing to the Lakers’ victory were Kyle Kuzma, who led LA with 19 points, and veteran point guard Rajon Rondo, who has 15 points and 10 assists off of the bench.
Steph Curry was held largely in check by the Lakers, as he shot only 5-17 from the field, scoring 15 points.
The Warriors simply couldn’t stop the Lakers’ diverse offensive attack in one of their worst defensive performances of the season.
The Lakers and coach Luke Walton are ahead of schedule, and look to be a real threat in the Western Conference this season.
