Lakers’ Anthony Davis: LeBron James Was ‘Masterful’ Making 9 Three-Pointers vs. Nets

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVApril 1, 2024

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Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis had a simple and effective description for LeBron James’ performance during Sunday’s 116-104 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

“Masterful,” Davis told reporters when discussing James’ showing that saw him score 40 points on 13-of-17 shooting from the field and 9-of-10 shooting from three-point range:

Dave McMenamin @mctenThe word Anthony Davis used to describe LeBron James’ 9-for-10 night from 3? “Masterful.” pic.twitter.com/cCOosU0van

It was yet another head-turning showing for the 39-year-old playing in his 21st season.

Fans should also make sure they appreciate him while he’s still stuffing stat sheets, as he told reporters “not very long” when asked how long he’s going to play. “I’m not gonna play another 21 years, that’s for damn sure. But not very long. I don’t know when that door will close as far as when I’ll retire. But I don’t have much time left.”

There were times earlier in the King’s career where three-point shooting was something of a weakness, at least compared to how excellent he did almost everything else on the court.

However, that is no longer the case as he ages.

James is shooting 40.1 percent from three-point range this season, which underscores just how difficult he is to stop even at this stage. He can still overpower his way to the rim and through the lane, and shooting like he has means defenders can’t simply sag off him to create space.

The Lakers as a whole are also starting to round into form with wins in six of their last seven games, which has propelled them to 1.5 games ahead of the Golden State Warriors for ninth place in the Western Conference and one game behind the Sacramento Kings for the eighth spot.

Reaching eighth would be important, as the Nos. 7 and 8 seeds face off in the play-in tournament in a non-elimination game. By contrast, the Nos. 9 and 10 seeds face each other in an elimination game.

As long as James continues to shoot like he did Sunday, the Lakers will have a chance against anyone come play-in and playoff time.