LeBron James recorded a massive double-double of 22 points and 20 rebounds in Game 4 for the Lakers, leading his team to the overtime win against the Grizzlies (117-111).
His head coach Darvin Ham praised the four-time NBA champion, emphasizing his preparation for games that allow him to produce such numbers at this stage of the season.
“Oh absolutely,” Ham said when asked if he ever says ‘Wow’ while watching James play. “But at the same time we can always get better. We break down our game, we see things during the point in the game, clips we watch at halftime.
“He’s not perfect. Sometimes there’s breakdowns, but at the end of the day he’s a guy that can quickly recalibrate and not make the same mistake twice. And some of it’s fatigue. We’re pushing him hard, they’re playing more minutes obviously, overtime.
“But this is what it’s about. This is what load management is about. For these guys to be able to exert themselves at a high level at this time of the year. He’s nothing short of amazing.
“But it doesn’t surprise me. If you watch him every day and see how he prepares then you know he’s putting himself in the best position to be not just available to play or to play well in stretches, but to be elite at the top of the list in terms of how he performs for his team. Yes, it’s really, really special. I don’t take it for granted to be in this position to be able to coach him.”
