Play.
The skies were cleared for a huge game-sealing dunk.
James Harden threw the ball to Nic Claxton who dunked on King James. (0:23)
1:28 AM
When the NBA schedule makers decided to play the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets on Christmas Day, they wanted to pit L.A.'s big three of James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook against Brooklyn's Kevin, Irving and Harden.
Half of the stars weren't on the court in the Nets' 122-115 win on Saturday because of injuries, including a left knee injury to Davis.
Despite having two of its marquee names compared to just one for Brooklyn, L.A. still ended up on the losing end for the fifth straight game and fell to eighth place in the Western Conference. James, Harden, and others like them, have a resume that warrants a mention, but their play on Christmas didn't.
The Lakers point guard shot 4-for-20 from the field, finishing the game with 13 points, 12 rebound and 11 assists with five fouls and three turnovers.
James spoke up on his behalf and focused on what the 14-year veteran did well, rather than highlighting the struggles of the man.
James dismissed the misses as an "off-shooting night", including a missed dunk that could have brought L.A. within one, and an 0-for-3 fourth quarter mark that included a missed dunk.
James praised the decision-making of the guard, who led the team with a double-digit assist total, and pointed out how five of his boards came on the offensive glass, which meant more chances to score for the Lakers.
"He gave us extra possessions, he gave us a lot of looks around the basket, which I know that he can't stand, as well as failing to convert," said James. I don't mind if a guy plays hard and leaves it all on the floor. It's a make or miss league.
Lakers acting head coach David Fizdale said that the expectations of Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook have caused him to press the issue.
Fizdale said that he just wants it so bad. Everyone does, you can just see it in him. He wants it so bad. It's hard for him when it doesn't work out. I know he cares. I just want him to keep playing the way he is and take the pressure off himself.
There is value in the fact that James has missed 12 games and is expected to be out for at least another month while recovering from a left knee injury, while Davis has missed seven games and is expected to be out for at least another month.
There was a stark difference between James' production and that of Westbrook. The Lakers were outclassed by 23 points in the 37 minutes that Westbrook was on the field. The Lakers were a plus-nine in the 40 minutes that James was on the court.
Fizdale was an assistant coach with the Miami Heat when James helped lead the team to two titles and four Finals appearances.
Fizdale said that he was kicking himself because of how hard James was working for him. Trying to figure out ways to get him over the hump is something I don't like. It was just spectacular. I don't like that it's wasted on losses.
Even though those games are turning into L's, I want to be a part of it. We better be thanking our lucky stars for this guy.
