Frank Vogel: “LeBron Should be the MVP of the Season”

LeBron James and his Lakers took the lead in the series against the Houston Rockets. They would take down the franchise from Texas last night, 112-102, after a strong defensive effort in the second half.

Besides leading his team to a victory, James had one more reason to be happy. He became the all-time leader in playoff wins, with the last night’s one being his 162nd. King James jumped over Derrick Fisher and is now alone at the top of the mountain.

Still, even though it is a massive achievement, LBJ didn’t want to celebrate but remained focused on the upcoming challenges. Also, he didn’t see it as an individual achievement, but as a result of being surrounded by the right people throughout his career.

“It doesn’t happen without my teammates over the years, my coaching staff over the years. Everyone from the top to bottom — GMs, owners, training staffs, ball boys, everything. Everyone has a hand in that because we’re all a part of the process and the success.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um1U6oanxeo&ab_channel=Z.Highlights

LeBron ended the night with 36 points, 7 rebounds, and five assists, shooting 13-for-23, with four threes as well. LBJ had four blocked shots and a massive impact on the defensive side of the court.

The Rockets were again close, but the above-mentioned defense in the second half, especially in the final period, was something that made the difference last night. After allowing 64 points over the opening two quarters, the Lakers increased the intensity of play, and Houston scored just 38 points in the latter 24 minutes.

A 15-2 burst early in the final quarter eventually brought a win to Frank Vogel’s side. The Lakers’ coach praised LeBron after the game, saying that the No.23 should be the MVP of this campaign.

“I said it when I talked about the MVP this year: Nobody impacts winning more than LeBron James. That’s true for this season. It’s why he should be MVP,” Vogel explained.

LBJ averaged 25.3 points, 10.2 assists and 7.8 boards, and 1.2 steals, shooting 49.3% from the field. Right now, his numbers are much better in the playoffs – 27.6 pts, 9.6 rebounds, and 9 assists with 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks, 57.8% from the field and 40.9% for three.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv5ytwuuq-4&ab_channel=FirstTakeESPN

All in all, he looks pretty locked in at the moment. And his two-on-two game with Anthony Davis is looking unstoppable, which is an even more important thin.

The Lakers’ problem throughout the playoffs, was the absence of that third player who would jump in occasionally and take the pressure off of these two superstars. It seems that Rajon Rondo’s comeback might have solved that question also.

The former champion with the Boston Celtics was excellent last night, scoring 21 points with 9 assists in 30 minutes. Rondo’s influence is very significant because he often organizes the plays when LBJ goes out to rest. We need to mention his defense, as he still is one of the best defenders at the point guard position.

Up next, the Lakers have Game 4 of the series heading their way, this Thursday. The Rockets will try to respond, and they already showed high quality in the previous three events. It seems that D’Antoni’s team misses that final touch to solve the game in its favor, and so far, that was what separated the LAL from them.

And usually, LeBron was the one who was dominant in those clutch moments.