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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 key questions entering the NBA Finals

By Jacob Zinkula

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on December 13, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on December 13, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Can LeBron James take his game to the next level for the Los Angeles Lakers?

LeBron’s performance in Game 5 vs. the Nuggets might have felt like just another great performance from the King, but his 38-16-10 stat line was fairly unprecedented in NBA history. Going back to 1983-84 (as far as NBA.com data goes back), only eight players have posted at least a 38-16-10 in ANY game (regular or postseason).

There have only been three such performances in the playoffs (two from James), and no other player has ever accomplished the feat while shooting at least 60.0 percent from the field. It was a masterful game from LeBron. Does he even another one or two of these up his sleeve for the Finals?

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The Los Angeles Lakers made a few adjustments in Game 5 that could help LeBron have these high-caliber games in the Finals. Denver was sagging off shooters when James had the ball, limiting clear driving lanes. Los Angeles adjusted by consistently setting screens towards the weak side, where the Nuggets only had one help defender to get in his way. This provided him more space to operate and ultimately finish at the basket.

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The Lakers also deployed more screen-the-screener actions, where a Laker player set a screen for the player that ultimately set a pick for LeBron (see Caruso below). This made it even harder for the big man (in this case Jokic) to get out and corral the ball-handler coming off the pick. These adjustments definitely contributed to James’ great performance, but he clearly had more of an attacking mindset as well.

LeBron James is a great playmaker for others, but he can’t be afraid to force the issue at times. Even if the lane is a bit clogged, he’s still capable of finishing (or at least getting fouled).

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