Renowned NBA analyst Shannon Sharpe predicted on Wednesday that the ongoing first-round series between the LA Lakers and Houston Rockets is headed for the distance. Houston kept the matchup alive with a 99-93 victory in Game 5 after previously falling behind 3-0.
Speaking on his Nightcap podcast, Sharpe raised concerns for the Lakers, highlighting the physical toll the series is taking on LeBron James. He predicted that the Rockets could defend home court in Game 6, pointing to their younger roster and the likelihood that fatigue would affect them far less than the Purple and Gold.
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“We saw what happened when they played that overtime game, remember? We saw how the Lakers looked,” Sharpe said. “Now they play again on Friday night, think about that LeBron James has played 40 minutes back-to-back games. Monday night, Wednesday night, going to play again on Friday night.”
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LeBron James hasn’t been at his best in the last two games, and the Lakers have lost both of those contests. In Game 5 on Wednesday, James logged in 39 minutes, but failed to take his team over the line. He is averaging 39.0 minutes in this series, which is a lot for a 41-year-old.
Charles Barkley speaks on LeBron James’ fatigue factor
NBA legend Charles Barkley had similar concerns about LeBron James after the Lakers lost Game 5 on their home floor. Barkley cited fatigue as the major reason why James’ efficiency and impact have dropped as the series has progressed.
“LeBron is wearing down. Let me tell you that,” Barkley said. “LeBron is wearing down. I saw all these idiots and fools on television say ‘man, LeBron playing great for a 41-year-old’ in game 1 and game 2. But when you get older, the longer a series goes, his efficiency is coming down.”
There is only one day’s gap between Game 5 and Game 6, which will also involve James and the Lakers travelling to Houston. The Lakers need James to put his cape on in Game 6 and take the team to the promised land.
Edited by Atishay Jain