LeBron James on Christmas Day: «Every challenge with Stephen Curry is special»

The fourteen points scored by LeBron James in the final quarter were not enough to avoid the defeat of the Los Angeles Lakers against i Detroit Pistons (read the match story). The four-time MVP had a chance to send the game into overtime, but his triple at the buzzer went off the rim. At the end of the match, the yellow and purple star analyzed the match, talked about the upcoming clash with Steph Curry and reflected on the growth of his son Bronny. Below are the highlights of his statements.

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???? LeBron James: «Being physical is something inside you»

Speaking to reporters in the locker room, LeBron James (28 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists for the 120th triple double of his career) commented on the last possession: «It's a situation we experience every day in training. We got the shot we wanted, but it didn't go in.” He then analyzed the too many turnovers and the physicality shown by the Pistons: «It's difficult to win when you commit 20 turnovers and concede 28 points from turnovers. They had 16 more shots than us; we didn't give ourselves a real chance to win.”

On the Christmas match against the friend-rival's Warriors Stephen CurryJames said: «Whenever you have the opportunity to compete against one of the greatest players ever, you never take it for granted. I don't know how many more times we will face each other, so every occasion is special. This summer I saw him on Team USA and it was great to be on the same side. Of course, being on the other side is a whole different story.”

LeBron then returned to the physicality that seems to be missing from the yellow-purple roster: «I can't speak for others, but I always have to respond to physicality with equal physicality. I'm a football player, so physical contact doesn't scare me at all.” Il Chosen One he also highlighted the importance of improving as a team: «We have to be stronger, period. Helping teammates free themselves, making better blocks, being dangerous on all three levels and keeping the dribble alive to take pressure off. But it's not something you learn: either you have it inside you or you don't.”

Speaking of Cade Cunningham and his growth as a player, James added: «He is a physical guard, with broad shoulders and powerful legs. You can't defend him one-on-one if you're a smaller player. He's smart, he knows what to do and he always gets there. He's improved so much this year, and the fact that he's stayed healthy has made the difference. Detroit chose him with the first overall pick for a reason.”

Finally, LeBron commented on his son's performance Bronny James at the G League Showcase in Orlando: «With every opportunity, he is finding himself. He plays instinctively, and it's great to see how he's getting back into shape, mentally and physically. He still has room for improvement and will continue to work to be a part of the NBA. It was important that they achieved a victory in the second game; I think this gave him confidence.”

During the game between the Lakers and Pistons, LeBron James rose to second place in the All-Time yellow and purple list for triples scored, surpassing Derek Fisher. It remains in first place Kobe Bryant.

???? Next Game

I Los Angeles Lakers they return to the field in the night (2:00 ????????) between Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th December to face the Detroit Pistons all crypto.com Arena.

Cover: LeBron James and Cade Cunningham during the December 23, 2024 Lakers-Pistons contest at crypto.com Arena. (Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)

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LeBron James he passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbarbecoming the leading scorer in NBA history. Read the articles dedicated to the record of the four-time MVP written by the LakeShow Italia editorial team: