LeBron James Still Has It

They were able to limp into the relative safety of playing a team coached by the offensively befuddled Ime Udoka and anchored on the court by the generally befuddling Kevin Durant-Alperen Sengun duo, though even with home court advantage, they were clearly up against it. Only LeBron James stood healthy for a Lakers team otherwise completely bereft of offensive creation, and only weeks after advancing the Lakers' title chances by finally accepting a downshift in his role, the now-venerable graybeard of the league would have to wind back the clock and be the best player on the court in order for his team to have any chance. Ask any expert, consult any betting market, watch any Amen Thompson highlight reel: that did not feel likely going into Saturday's Game 1 matchup in L.A. But unc was not crucified. Despite the predictably glaring disparity in athleticism, the Lakers put forth an impressive team performance to win Game 1, 107-98. Luke Kennard led the way with 27, Kevin Durant was a surprise scratch, and the Lakers' bench was so thin that JJ Redick was forced to play Bronny James for a spell in the first half. That stretch was an unmitigated disaster, but it ultimately did not matter, as LeBron James Sr. was masterful in his 38 minutes.