LeBron James

SF, Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James was relatively quiet on Friday as the Lakers suffered through a Game 1 loss to the Rockets, putting up 20 points (7-of-15 FG, 4-of-5 FT) with eight rebounds, seven dimes and two 3s.

The lack of defensive numbers was not only a glaring notable on the box score, but it also was an X-factor in the Lakers' loss tonight. As a team, the Lakers will need to keep the Rockets off their game if they want to win and that context begins and ends with their leader, LeBron. He's a fierce competitor so we should see a much better and hopefully, a more well-rounded performance from him in the next one.