Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Featured > Lakers News: LeBron James Preferred Carmelo Anthony’s Final Look Over His Own In Loss To Rockets
FeaturedLakers News

Lakers News: LeBron James Preferred Carmelo Anthony’s Final Look Over His Own In Loss To Rockets

Matt Peralta
Published: 03/10/2022
3 Min Read
Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Lakers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

Every loss feels like a new low for the Los Angeles Lakers, and their recent disaster supports that notion considering they were dismantled in overtime by the Houston Rockets.

The Lakers look outmatched all night athletically against a young Rockets team full of players looking to get up and down the floor. Houston is a trigger-happy team from beyond the arc, and Los Angeles had no answer for them in overtime when they hit 3-pointer after 3-pointer to put them away early.

On the Lakers’ final possession of regulation, LeBron James drove to the basket, and instead of forcing a shot over a defender, he kicked it out to Carmelo Anthony, who had a good look. Anthony’s long midrange jumper missed the mark, but James chalked up his decision to pass due to the quality of Anthony’s shot.

“I could have forced a reverse layup, but I wasn’t in a position to feel like I could’ve gotten a great look,” explained James. “I could’ve gotten a decent look. And I feel like Melo’s look was a lot better than mine. So it’s literally that simple.”

It is hard to blame James for making that play because the Rockets collapsed on his drive, leaving Anthony nearly alone on the wing. Anthony took the pass, pump-faked his defender, and stepped into a jumper he has hit thousands of times. The result was not what the Lakers wanted, but the play was the correct one at the moment.

James has always been unselfish, even in the most critical of moments, and this was the latest example of him playing his brand of basketball. He will surely draw some flack for not taking the potential game-winner, but if someone like Anthony has a better chance of scoring, then it was the right pass to make.

Regardless, Los Angeles finds itself in a precarious spot as it seems like their Play-In Tournament spot is slipping through their fingers. After losing to the worst team in the Western Conference, it is anyone’s guess if they can make some sort of run.

Carmelo Anthony explains adjustments playing center

Without Anthony Davis, Anthony was forced into backup center minutes, where the results have been mixed at best. Playing as the lone big in small lineups has its challenges, and Anthony explained some of the adjustments he has to make.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:Carmelo AnthonyHouston RocketsLeBron JamesLos Angeles Lakers
ByMatt Peralta
Matt was born and raised in Long Beach, Calif. and is a lifelong Lakers fan. Because of his love for basketball and the Lakers, Matt successfully pursued a degree in journalism at California State University, Long Beach (#GoBeach) and is now a Staff Writer for LakersNation.com. He is also a Staff Writer for RamsNewsWire.com and RaidersNewsWire.com. Contact: mattp@mediumlargela.com Twitter: @_MatthewPeralta Instagram: @matthewperalta
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?