Lakers-Rockets Game 4 Rewatch! What Can the Lakers Change for Game 5?

About this episode

The episode analyzes the Lakers' struggles in Game 4 against the Rockets and discusses potential adjustments for Game 5.

Game 4 wasn't much fun to watch, that's for sure, but like the pros do, sometimes you have to go back and review stuff. So where did the Lakers go wrong? Looking back at the ... action, it was pretty clear first and foremost the Lakers were playing on tired legs. But it's also clear the Rockets have changed up enough things that the Lakers, after six very cold quarters, need to respond. They need to find ways to get LeBron touches in more advantageous positions, without him having to put the ball on the floor to make something happen. Houston's ball pressure is hurting Luke Kennard. Can they create enough action to again make him a weapon, where his gravity (which comes from shot quality) allows him to then get into the teeth of a defense? How about shot selection, generally? Are the Lakers taking shots when they're available? Forcing too much? Kinda yes to both? Given the state of things, it seems pretty clear that the Lakers are going to pour everything they have into Game 5 in an effort to put this series to bed. And they should. Especially until Austin Reaves is for sure back on the floor, because their limitations didn't go away just because they took 3-0 series lead. HOSTS…

People in this episode

Hosts: Andy Kamenetzky, Brian Kamenetzky

Topics covered

• Lakers performance
• Rockets defense
• Game strategy
• LeBron James
• Austin Reaves impact
• Game 5 preview

Keywords

• Lakers
• Rockets
• LeBron James
• Austin Reaves
• Luke Kennard
• Game 5
• NBA playoffs
• basketball strategy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Houston, Lakers, Rockets

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