(I have found a way! Change Mike James' shot selection)
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA'S EA SPORTS REPORT
Lakers news:
Mike James came up huge in Lakers dominance over Clips
When one has fallen, many shall rise!
Without Kobe Bryant in the lineup, other players are expected to step up big time to fill his shoes. Lamar Odom tried it out against Houston and put up Kobe-like numbers in the Lakers' victory. But today, one man can't do that alone. So Mike James comes in, drills in 24 points and had 11 steals to lead 3 players with 20 or more points in the Lakers' 108-73 win over the LA Clippers.
Devean George had 20 points, 10 in the 1st quarter, and 4 rebounds while Lamar Odom had 20 points and 10 rebounds. Chris Mihm had a triple double with 10 points, 11 rebounds and 10 blocks.
Shaquille O'Neal and Derek Fisher returned to the lineup with O'Neal starting the game. As expected, though, they were still slowed by their injuries as O'Neal posted 6 points and 4 rebounds while Derek Fisher had only 2 points.
James, reduced to a stand still shooter this year, was told by Rudy Tomjanovich to shoot more with the absence of Kobe. James responded, drilling three 3-pointers in this game. Instead of spotting up, however, he called for picks, went around them and let the shot fly.
"Coach just told me to be more aggressive," James said after the game. "Shoot more, exert more effort, and that's what I did. Others stepped up as well, which is good for us, you know? It shouldn't be one man all the time."
Kobe, who was behind the Lakers bench, when told of James' statement, agreed.
"He's right," Bryant said in a press conference. "It really kinda gets tiring if everything is upon your shoulders."
The onslaught started in the 1st quarter, wherein the purple and gold raced to a 11-0 lead. The Clippers would end the quarter down by 6, 29-23, but thats the closest they would get.
NOTES:
Kareem Rush was injured during the game. However, he is listed as day-to-day.
Next game:
(9-0)
VS.
(5-3)
America West Arena