05 May 2023 , 12:39
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LeBron James believes the LA Lakers still have the best defence in the NBA, despite their loss to the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of their NBA Playoff series.
The Lakers were no doubt keen to build on their 1-0 series advantage, after defeating the Warriors 117-112 earlier in the week. It was not to be for James and co though, as the Warriors fought their way back into the series with an impressive 127-100 victory over their Los Angeles rivals.
The Warriors were back to their free-flowing best going forward at the Chase Center on Thursday, but this has not stopped the great James putting his full backing behind his team's defence.
Per ESPN, he said: "We're still the best defensive team in the league, if not one of them. So that doesn't change. That's what we hang our hats on...That doesn't stop no matter who we're playing against." Amid the Golden State threat, the Lakers legend also believes his team's offence need to match that of their rivals.
"You got to keep scoring, get to the free throw line as well, or just get points in the paint," James said. "They're going to go on runs. That's what they do. But you got to keep scoring, try to hold the fort down."
LeBron James edges closer to NBA scoring record with jaw-dropping Lakers display
The Lakers will be looking to bounce back in Game 3 (Getty Images)One man key to the Lakers offence who was unable to replicate his performance from Game 1 is Anthony Davis, after landing 11 points in Game 2, 19 less than he managed in the series opener. Discussing his missed chances he revealed post-game: "I took all the same shots I took in Game 1. I just missed them.
"Elbow jumpers. Pocket passes to the floater. Same exact looks. Didn't shoot no shot that I didn't shoot in Game 1. Just missed them. That's all. We'll be better. I'll be better making those shots. We'll get back home on our home floor and try to take care of business."