The long-awaited debut of the new “Big 3” of the Los Angeles Lakers, formed by the forward Lebron James, the pivot Anthony Davis and the base Russell westbrook, It occurred last night at the Staples Center with a loss they suffered against the decimated Golden State Warriors.
But despite the defeat, just seeing the three stars together caused the Warriors coach, Steve Kerr, It was recognized that it was something “fascinating” because it was about three players who have achieved everything in the NBA.
“I have no doubt that it will be a great attraction to see them throughout the regular season,” he said. Kerr. “Now we will have to see how they work in competition, which is what counts.”
At the moment, the three together at the end of the first three quarters, already had to their credit scored more than 10 points each.
Kerr remembered being a television analyst when James joined his first “Big 3”, in Miami, with the escort Dwyane Wade and the pivot Chris Bosh in 2010 and that, as they got to know each other, they played better.
The Heat lost the NBA Finals in the “Big 3’s first year together, but then won the next two.
“In general, this takes time,” he said. Kerr. “It will look very different at the end of the year than it does now.”
Davis scored 20 points in 30 minutes; James added 17 in 26 minutes; and Westbrook He posted a double-double of 10 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in more than 28 minutes of action.
But James and Westbrook they also added 11 turnovers.
“That’s to be expected from the beginning, when the players are getting to know each other,” stated the Lakers coach, Frank vogel. “We are working to be in tune with those things, but it is the first time that they play together. So, I am more concerned with connecting on the defensive end.”
Westbrook I wasn’t ready to predict how long I expected him to, James and Davis they will fully adapt to playing together.
“I know this is a question that everyone keeps asking. Nobody has a real answer for that. We will just play like any other team and then we will solve it,” he analyzed. Westbrook. “We don’t need to solve it … as long as it’s the first match.
Westbrook He stressed: “We have one goal in mind and that is to win a championship. So during the season there will be great moments, others not so good. There will be adversity. As long as we are together on the same page, that is all that matters.”
The same assessment made James, who asked that everyone be “patient”.
“It will take us a minute to become the team that we know we are capable of being. So, it’s about working through the process, being patient with the process, understanding that we’re going to have frustrating moments,” he said. James. “Russell He’s always been a league leader in pace, so we want to go up and down, but we want to be smart at the same time and not flip the ball like we’ve been doing. That is learning from each other. “
While the “Big Three” of the Lakers debuted, Kerr gave rest to the stars of the Warriors, led by the point guard Stephen Curry and the power forward Draymond greenwhile the escort Klay thompson He has not yet recovered from right Achilles tendon surgery.
But the Warriors who took to the field were full of energy at the opportunity to play against the Lakers team and in a dress rehearsal with most of their veteran stars.
The escort Jordan poole, which has turned out to be the great revelation of the preseason with Golden State, scored 18 points and finished in the lead.
The base Damion Lee and the eaves Otto Porter Jr. they supported him with 16 points each on a list of six players who had two-digit numbers.
The Mexican American forward Juan Toscano-Anderson He started and played 20 minutes in which he contributed two points after scoring 1 of 3 shots from the field, he missed both triple attempts he made, and also the two personnel pitches.
Toscano-Anderson he captured three defensive rebounds, gave three assists, recovered a ball, lost three, put a block and committed two personal fouls.
The Warriors and Lakers will meet next Tuesday on the opening night of the regular season, on the same stage at the Staples Center.