Can a 20-year career still maintain peak performance? LeBron James answered this question with a game that made the whole stadium boil. In the Lakers' home game against the Hawks, James once again made history by surpassing Jordan with 563 times of scoring more than 30 points, becoming the first in NBA history.
In this game, the Lakers not only relied on the combined efforts of the three giants - James, Davis, and Rivers - to score 68 points + 29 rebounds + 18 assists, but also relied on the defensive explosion of newcomers Finney-Smith and Milton to make the game lose suspense early. The question is - what lies behind the Lakers' victory in this game? Is it just a flash of inspiration or is their strength rising?
The first half of the Lakers' season can be described as "bumpy". Not only was their record unsatisfactory, but their lineup depth has also been criticized by outsiders. However, the mid-term operations of the Lakers' management recently have been eye-catching, especially the introduction of two newcomers, Finney-Smith and Milton. Simply put, the victory in this game was not only due to the fiery performance of the three giants, but also the defensive core of these two people can be called the key to victory.
Finney-Smith's task is very clear - to tightly defend the Hawks' offensive core, Trae Young. Although Trae Young still scored the highest points for the team, many of his scoring opportunities came abnormally difficult. Finney-Smith was like a sticky chewing gum on the defensive end, not only interfering with the Hawks' outside shooting but also causing the opponent to make several crucial mistakes. Milton's performance was more like an "unsung hero". Although he did not play much throughout the game, several key steals and defensive rotations made the Hawks' offensive rhythm completely collapse at one point.
Some say that the Lakers' reinforcement this season is like "clutching at straws". But judging from this game, this straw is held quite firmly - not only has the defensive system been renewed, but it has also made the Lakers' overall tactical choices more diversified. This game is proof of the "qualitative change" in the Lakers' defense.
However, winning games ultimately relies on core strength. And the Lakers' "three giants" - James, Davis (Eyebrow), and Rivers - are undoubtedly the biggest winners of this game.
As the absolute core of the team, James not only scored more than 30 points efficiently but also led his teammates to perform. In the third quarter of the game, he helped Rivers complete a fast-break dunk with two consecutive exquisite passes, instantly igniting the audience. And Eyebrow's performance in this game was also eye-catching. He had been a bit low in the previous few games, but this time he finally played MVP-level data: 18 points + 19 rebounds + 4 assists + 3 steals + 3 blocks. It can be said that the "defensive barrier" of the Lakers' interior is completely supported by Eyebrow alone.
As for the young Rivers, his performance was full of passion and impact, and several key scores made the Hawks helpless. Judging from this game, the Lakers' three giants not only cooperate well with each other but also achieve "mutual success" on both the offensive and defensive ends. This kind of chemistry is really surprising.
If the Lakers played beautifully in this game, then the Hawks' performance could only be described as "weak".
Although the Hawks have one of the most explosive guards in the league - Trae Young, his personal efficient output in this game failed to save the team. The Lakers used tough defense to completely suppress the Hawks' team offense, leaving Trae Young fighting alone. Throughout the game, under the defensive pressure of the Lakers, the Hawks' three-point shooting percentage was pitiful, and their bench performance was mediocre. In contrast, the Lakers not only had a comprehensive outbreak of the three giants but also had the defensive surprise of the newcomers and the "invisible killer" like Milton on the bench.
Perhaps this is the biggest advantage of the Lakers in this game - the depth of the team where "one hair moves the whole body." Looking back at the Hawks, relying on a single Trae Young to fight, how could they win against the Lakers with layers of upgraded defenses?
Of course, when it comes to the Lakers, we must mention James. After this game, James broke Jordan's record and became the first in NBA history with 563 times of scoring more than 30 points. This achievement is amazing, but what is more worth discussing is his "secret of eternal youth" behind it.
Being able to maintain peak performance for 20 years is not accidental. James mentioned in a post-game interview that he has always paid great attention to physical maintenance and the scientific nature of training. It is reported that he spends millions of dollars every year on physical recovery and maintenance, including private physiotherapists, diet planners, and exclusive training teams. This self-discipline and planning for his career cannot help but be admired.
On the other hand, James' role on the court is also constantly changing. When he was young, he was an "all-around warrior," covering scoring, assists, and defense. Now, he pays more attention to his role as a "commander" on the court - using his rich experience to lead his teammates. It is precisely this self-adjustment that allows him to still lead the Lakers with an efficient performance after 20 years.
Although this victory has made Lakers fans cheer, the real challenge for the Lakers has just begun. The current competitive landscape in the West can be described as "a struggle among many heroes" - Jokic of the Nuggets is still maintaining a dominant performance, Leonard of the Clippers is about to return, and the Suns' trio of Booker, Durant, and Beal are still looking for the best chemical reaction.
In comparison, although the Lakers seem to be recovering in form, there are still many problems that need to be solved, such as whether Eyebrow's state can continue, whether the scoring points outside the three giants are stable, and whether the newcomers' performance can maintain a high level for a long time. Especially in the playoffs, none of the strong teams in the West are pushovers, and the Lakers must find a more stable winning model in the second half of the regular season.
The victory in this game for the Lakers is not only James' peak battle breaking the historical record but also a collective burst of the team's overall strength. The comprehensive blooming of the three giants and the defensive improvement of the newcomers make the Lakers look more and more like a "championship-caliber" team. Whether they can finally stand at the top of the West depends on whether they can maintain this state. At present, there is not much time left for them, and the fans are waiting to see!