ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith was not thrilled about LeBron James’s shot selection in key moments of the fourth quarter in the Lakers’ 108–103 loss to the Nuggets in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on Thursday.
While James finished one rebound shy of a triple-double—registering 22 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds—the Lakers star went 0-for-6 from beyond the arc while the Nuggets used a stunning fourth quarter performance from Jamal Murray to take a commanding 2–0 lead in the best-of-seven-series.
Through two games in the series, James has shown his ability to get switches on smaller Denver defenders like Murray and others to score in the post or while driving to the basket with a chance to earn free throw opportunities.
With James’s size as an advantage, Smith said it is time for the 19-time All-Star to use it instead of settling for shots from beyond the arc.
“Showing your muscles every chance you get, use them,” Smith said on The Stephen A. Smith Show. “Stop shooting the three. Stay off the threeee, please.”
A message to LeBron James.https://t.co/TsbIlEySU6 pic.twitter.com/EDiz2Lfzg1
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) May 19, 2023
In this year’s playoffs, the 38-year-old has missed 19 consecutive three-pointers in the fourth quarter, dating back to Game 2 of the Lakers’ opening-round matchup against the Grizzlies. That is the longest streak by any player in the last 25 postseasons, according to ESPN Stats and Info.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets notched seven three-pointers in the fourth quarter while Murray poured in 23 of his 37 points in the final period to complete the comeback against Los Angeles.
As for Smith’s comments, James will look to have a better shooting night inside the friendly confines of Crypto.com Arena.
