LeBron and AD deliver for Los Angeles as Lakers steal Game 1 from Curry and The Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - LeBron James dropping 40 and leading all stat categories like he did in Cleveland is no longer needed from him, He's got his Robin in AD for that now. LeBron's got his own justice league in LA now, AD hovering over the paint like Superman in metropolis, Dennis Schröder utilizing his speed and energy to chase Stephen Curry around the court like flash and D'Angelo Russell hitting shots from everywhere with defender crowding his sight like Green Arrow, LeBron doesn't have to be the Batman for his teams to succeed at their full potential anymore.

The Lakers re tooled their entire squad at the trade deadline, acquiring D'Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Mo Bamba, Malik Beasley, and Rui Hachimura who was acquired from Washington in January but I digress. The new-look Lakeshow, takes a good load of the pressure off of LeBron to the point where they can win even when LeBron has a "bad game", LeBron believes in the team too which is key for their success. The Lakers, even though a seven seed do not play like one, in Game 1 against the defending champion Golden State Warriors they had the Warriors down 14 before Golden State responded with a 14-0 run. However, The Lakers would prevail Golden States counter attack in Game 1.

Anthony Davis had a great start to the series in Game 1, Davis followed his strong form against Memphis with a great start against Golden State, Davis had 30 points, 23 rebounds, five assists and four blocked shots on 11-19 from the field. Davis must build some consistency on both sides of the basketball if LA wants to win the series. Los Angeles' all-time superstar, LeBron James led the way alongside Davis with 22 points and 11 rebounds on 9-24 shooting while going head to head with Warriors Point Guard Stephen Curry who added 27. LeBron as of right now is dealing with a historic shooting slump. Los Angeles' two headed monster led the way to end up beating Golden State Warriors to win 117-112

in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.

LeBron James spoke post-game about the game, "We’ve been playing playoff basketball for about 2 1/2 months now just to punch our clock to be able to play right now in the postseason," James said. “We were very resilient tonight. … We know how great they are on their home floor, so to withstand that, it’s another good step for our ballclub.”

LeBron might have had an off game with his 22 points being his 3rd lowest points tally against Golden State, with James' latest low point tally against The Warriors being the 27 he scored in Game 7 of the NBA Finals in 2016. It really just goes to show how dominant LeBron has been in the playoffs throughout his career when his lowest point tally is a 22 and 11 game in the playoffs when most guys can't even score 15 in a playoff game. It is without saying that LeBron is bound to bounce back in Game 2 against Golden State.

This playoff series is a new chapter in the long rivalry between te superstars Stephen Curry and LeBron James after they faced off in four straight NBA Finals from 2015-2018 while James played for Cleveland.

The Finals MVP dropped 27 points on 10-24 from the field while his production was helped with 25 from fellow splash brother Klay Thompson, and Kevon Looney who grabbed a team high 23 rebounds. Game 1 was Looney's 4th game in these playoffs with 20 or more rebounds. Looney would 10 points and 5 assists to his 23 boards.

Jordan Poole who had 21 points on 7-15 from the field and 6-11 from 3. Poole had probably his best game in the playoffs in game 1 however late in the game, Poole took an ill-advised 3 pointer with 9.7 remaining in the game. Poole's late miss all but decided the game.

Anthony Davis dominated the game from the start, D'Angelo Russell also contributed to the Lakers' win with 19 points.

Warriors Coach Steve Kerr spoke about AD's dominance post-game, “I thought AD had a great game. Obviously he dominated and he got blocked four shots and altered some others,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “That’s what this team has been doing now for the last few months. They have been one of the best defensive teams in the league for a reason and he’s a huge part of that.”

The new-look Lakers have looked very strong in these playoffs and it has only continued so far in the series against Golden State. LeBron and AD led the way for Los Angeles as they stole Game 1 from Golden State along with some help from the role players. The Warriors look to play better in Game 2 as they aim to even up the series. Game 2 is Live on ESPN at ( P.M. on Thursday, May 4th 2023.