Getty Images LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers.
It’s no secret that Los Angeles Lakers All-Star LeBron James loves wine.
LeBron James: “I’m going to go home and be double fisted so that I don’t air ball free throws.”
Following the Lakers’ 138-115 Christmas day win over the Dallas Mavericks, James discussed his postgame plans.
“I’m gonna go home and be double-fisting (wine) so I can not air-ball any more free throws,” he said.
James’ reference to free throws comes after he shot an airball while at the free throw line in the third quarter against the Mavs.
Despite his botched free throw, James scored 31 points, hauled in seven rebound and dished out 10 assists in 31 minutes of action.
Anthony Davis added 28 points, eight rebounds and five assists of his own in 30 minutes of action on Friday evening.
Lakers big man, Montrezl Harrell scored 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds, point guard Dennis Schroeder scored 18 points and handed out six assists.
Kyle Kuzma chipped in with 13 points and six rebounds.
“We have two heavyhitters,” James said following the game.
“Myself and AD.
“We have the ability to have three or four guys than can score in the 20s.”
“We got a really good team,” said Anthony Davis.
“We got a lot of guys on our team. That’s a good problem.
“We did a good job tonight in terms of transition.
“We’re continuously trying to find our rhythm.”
That they are.
The Lakers had 16 turnovers in Friday’s game. But as a team they dished out 33 assists.
“We could’ve cracked 40 assists if we wanted to,” said James.
While load management is a popular subject in the NBA these days, after tonight’s game, Lakers head coach, Frank Vogel expressed that he had no minutes restrictions on James who will turn 36 years old next week. “I don’t have a firm number,” he said.
“Just being responsible with it.
“You just feel out the game.”
James was on board.
“If coach wants to limit my minutes, I’m willing to do whatever coach needs to me do,” he said.
“I train my body for whatever.
“I show it to you guys over and over.
“I train my body for a marathon.”
“I learn it from my mom and from OGs growing up.
“If you stay ready you don’t have to get ready.”
Anthony Davis playing the center position was a topical issue last season.
Last season, he told me it didn’t matter as long as the Lakers complete the biggest goal. “Do whatever I can to help this team win a championship,” he said.
“That’s the main goal. That’s our goal and we are going to come in with the mindset that we’re all thinking. This is the year.”
Now they’ve done that. Playing center if he has to won’t be cumbersome.
“I’m ready to do whatever the team wants,” Davis said Friday night.
Some nights against more aggressive teams, Davis may feel that he’d have to play a bit of the five position and he notes that he’ll do it. “I might say coach: ‘let me play the 5 tonight,'” said Davis.
Frank Vogel sees no problems with it either. “AD will be more at the 4 at the beginning at the season,” he said earlier this evening.
“AD at the 5 is sorta something I can go to if I need to.”