Lakers beat Blazers as LeBron passes Wilt on all-time scoring list
- by Israel Caldwell
- in Sports
- — Nov 15, 2018
I heard we got great surgeons here in L.A., so get right to it, start his rehab as fast as possible, get going.
What can the 17-year veteran possibly do to make the Lakers a playoff threat?
Before the Lakers embark on a three-game trip including his return to Cleveland on November 21 (Nov. 22, PHL time), James showed his new home fans what they can expect in big games, as if they didn't already know. The Blazers spoiled LeBron's debut with the Lakers in a 128-119 win at Portland last month, but the Lakers replied by ending their 16-game skid in the rivalry by beating the Blazers 114-110 just 16 days later in the Moda Center.
Lakers and National Basketball Association reporter for ESPN. Lonzo Ball had replaced Rajon Rondo as the starting point guard, and stretch forward Kyle Kuzma replaced shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
For starters, the veteran experience and knowledge that this Lakers team already possessed before Chandler arriving can not go unnoticed. He hasn't played since October 25 (Oct. 26, PHL time).
Sitting second in the West with a 10-3 record, the Blazers have gotten off to a strong start thanks to Damian Lillard, balanced scoring up-and-down the roster, and strong play at home.
The main issue and probable cause with the Lakers' early season woes stemmed from Luke Walton being unable to find somebody to protector the rim when McGee would head to the bench.
Having Chandler as that anchor on the back-end of the defense will allow him to orchestrate and put his teammates in the proper locations on the court. But he helped stabilize the Lakers' second unit and finished some games for Walton.
They have turned a corner since, winning five in six, but there have still been concerns regarding the team and how LeBron James has settled in. You know how I am.
LeBron James' inimitable presence has already been felt in his first few weeks in Hollywood. "I had to sit back and remind myself, '[Expletive], you knew what you were getting yourself into, '" James told Yahoo Sports after Saturday's win in Sacramento. Match-ups are broken down and each team tries to take away their opponents best option. James and the Lakers are back in action tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers.
