Instead, James played the role of setup man for the vast majority of Game 1 on Saturday. He had eight assists in the first quarter alone to fuel the Lakers’ offense, and although he only scored four points during that first quarter, his approach worked. The team shot 78.9% from the field in the first period and finished with a 33-29 lead, and James’ opening play set the tone for Los Angeles’ 107-98 victory.
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James finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists, and after the game he spoke about the role he decided to play.
“For me, I have to do a little bit of everything,” James said. “That’s what the job requires. So, being a triple threat, being able to rebound, being able to pass, being able to shoot and also defend and put myself in a position where I can bring value to this club, bring value to this team throughout this series.“It will be a game-by-game situation to see how the game develops.”
James was a little more offensive-minded late in the game, scoring nine points in the fourth quarter to increase Los Angeles’ lead and repel Houston’s attempts to rally. But overall, he slowed down and let some others do more of the heavy lifting on offense.
Center Deandre Ayton, who may be the biggest key in this series for Los Angeles besides James, scored 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting, as well as 11 rebounds. Saturday’s biggest offensive star was sharpshooter Luke Kennard. He made 9 of 13 field goals and hit all five of his 3-point attempts to score a playoff-high 27 points.
Of course, the Lakers may have received this victory due to the unexpected absence of future Rockets Hall of Famer Kevin Durant, who was ruled out just before kickoff due to a knee ailment. But the Lakers’ balanced offensive production, high efficiency (they shot 60.6% overall and 52.6% from downtown), and their defensive effort and decision-making bode well for their future.
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This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: LeBron James on the decisive role he played in the Lakers’ Game 1 victory