LeBron James Receives Massive Challenge From Tracy McGrady Ahead of Lakers-Thunder Series

LeBron James and the LA Lakers have a difficult task ahead of them in the second round as they face the top-seeded defending champions OKC Thunder. Ahead of the series, many pundits believe the Lakers have a long shot of winning against the Thunder, including NBA legend Tracy McGrady. 

During the AT&T NBA Showtime show, McGrady laid out what the Lakers need from James for the squad to have a chance at toppling the Thunder in the second round. It includes James turning back the clock, scoring 30 points every game, and impacting the game on many levels. 

“LeBron James is going to have to turn back the clock and have a very big game,” McGrady said. “I’m talking 30 points, rebounding, double-digit assists. His imprint is going to have to be all over this game because this team is too deep.”

James, who is 41 years old and the oldest active player in the NBA today, has shown signs of slowing down this season. However, he showcased that he can still provide valuable leadership in the Lakers’ first-round series win against the Houston Rockets. 

James averaged 23.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game against the Rockets, filling the void left by the injured Luka Doncic, who missed all the first-round games. 

That and more is what is expected for James once again in the series against the Thunder, whose squad has a plethora of defensive-minded players who aim to slow him down. 

The Lakers are the heavy underdogs in the series, losing all four of their regular-season meetings by an average of 29.3 points. 

The Thunder is also coming off a first-round sweep of the Phoenix Suns, where OKC virtually controlled the games from start to finish. 

LeBron James Is Wary About The Thunder’s Defenders

GettyLeBron James emphasizes taking care of the ball.

Understandably, LeBron James is emphasizing taking care of the ball ahead of the Thunder-Lakers Round 1 matchup. 

Shortly after the Lakers dispatched the Rockets in Game 6, James said the Lakers must protect possessions and not let themselves be rattled by the Thunder’s pesky defense. 

“One thing you have to do is to protect the ball versus those guys,” James said. “They play physical handsy in defense. If you allow them to get a lot of pick-sixes and just ignite their own court. It ignites their team.”

The Lakers have averaged 18.25 turnovers against the Thunder in their four meetings in the regular season. 

The Lakers have players such as Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, and Alex Caruso to watch out for in terms of the Thunder’s perimeter defense. Meanwhile, OKC also has capable rim protectors such as Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, both of whom can clean up any defensive mistakes by the guards. 

Lakers Open Series Against the Thunder on Tuesday

GettyThunder and Lakers open series on Tuesday.

Game 1 of the second-round clash between the Lakers and the Thunder will be on Tuesday, May 5, in Oklahoma City. 

The Thunder will enter the game with over a week of rest, while the Lakers had a few days to prepare for the series. 

The Thunder will be missing Jalen Williams, who remains out with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, in Game 1, while the Lakers will still be without Luka Doncic. 

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