14h49 CET
22/12/2024
LeBron James lauded Los Angeles Lakers' defensive efforts and urged his side to "trust each other" after their 103-99 win over the Sacramento Kings.
The Lakers star posted 32 points as Los Angeles followed up Thursday's victory with another road win on Sunday to sweep a two-game set over the Kings.
Anthony Davis missed two free throws with just 12 seconds remaining at 101-99 before Austin Reaves added two points down the other end after being fouled to seal the win.
Los Angeles managed to shoot at just 25.7%, however, leaving James, who broke the record for the most minutes played in NBA history during Thursday's win, impressed with their defensive aspects to cover for attacking troubles.
"That's big-time bully ball right there."
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 22, 2024
LBJ pic.twitter.com/8RG56CzUtm
"These two wins have been about doing the little things," James said. "We haven't been able to shoot the ball into an ocean, but we've been able to win these two games in a hostile environment by doing the little things and, defensively we've been on point.
"Communication, individual match-ups, it's just been good basketball all around.
"I just wanted to set the tone and let my team-mates know that Thursday was a good win, but let's get greedy and win this one too. We had that opportunity, so I just tried to motivate my team-mates.
"In order for us to win, we've got to defend. Our shots will fall, we get too many great looks, we're playing offense damn good, we're getting to our places, and our shots we're just not knocking them down.
"We will knock them down, we've just got to trust the pass and trust each other."
James will hope to continue in that form when the Lakers host the Detroit Pistons on Monday.