(Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Just a few days ago, Stephen A. Smith predicted that the Los Angeles Clippers would defeat the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.
For much of the game, it looked like that was going to happen but then LeBron James burst to life in the fourth quarter, scoring 19 points and carrying his team to perhaps their biggest win of the season.
On Thursday morning, Smith swallowed his pride and apologized to James for doubting him and the team.
“There is no getting around the greatness of LeBron James,” Smith said on “First Take.”
Is @stephenasmith APOLOGIZING to LeBron? pic.twitter.com/IY7WyiiiTQ
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 29, 2024
The entire Clippers lineup scored just 16 points in the fourth, eclipsed by James’ greatness and intent to win.
The last 12 minutes of the game featured a powerful performance from James but also an utter collapse by the Clippers.
Along with Smith, many people predicted the Lakers would lose, especially because the Clippers have been surging over the last few months while the Lakers have continued to struggle.
While the loss of Paul George definitely hurt the Clippers, his absence doesn’t fully explain what happened.
They were playing well for most of the game but then fell apart in the final quarter.
That is partly their own fault but also due to James, who was scoring from all over the court, playing strong defense, and firing up his team.
Throughout his career, James has had numerous games like the one on Wednesday but it’s exciting to see him continue to perform like this in his 21st season.
Many people have counted out James’ team because of their slew of problems but Wednesday night gave them a reason to pause and reassess what the Lakers are capable of.
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