LeBron James went all out during the fourth quarter of the Lakers Game 4 win to avoid getting swept by the Denver Nuggets in their best-of-seven series. Despite having a 15-point lead early in the quarter, James was not taking any chances with Denver’s ability to erase deficits.
When James knocked the ball out of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s hands and it went out of bounds, he insisted that head coach Darvin Ham challenge the call. However, Ham did not challenge it, and the Nuggets scored right after inbound, leading to an easy basket.
ESPN announcer Dave Pasch criticized James for not paying attention and exacerbating the situation. But James was right in demanding the play be challenged, considering it was an elimination game and the Nuggets posed a significant threat.
After a heated moment, the Lakers went on to win 119-108, forcing a Game 5 against the Nuggets. Despite his flaws in other areas, James’s expertise in basketball shone through in this situation.
