How do the Lakers slow down Damian Lillard? Frank Vogel has one wild card he can play when he needs a stop, but he must be selective in deploying it | @anthonyVslater https://t.co/YhimeXINH0
— The Athletic L.A. (@TheAthleticLA) August 16, 2020
Vogel does have an emergency option, though. Back in LeBron’s younger days, when Derrick Rose was on the rise in Chicago, LeBron had a few key moments when he switched onto Rose down the stretch and had some success by using his guard speed and wing size to swarm for a needed stop.
But that’s maybe a three-possession-at-a-time option and only in the fourth quarter (or in the middle of a Lillard hot streak that must be stopped). Against the Clippers in the bubble opener, when he guarded Kawhi Leonard and Paul George on the night’s deciding possession, James showed he can still reach back for that defensive fastball. But he (and Vogel) must be selective when deploying it.
After watching how LeBron covered both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to close out the Lakers’ win over the Clippers, I think he could be the best option late in the game against Dame.
Kidnapping is still against the law right, lol!