With Anthony Davis out of commission for Game 5 against the Phoenix Suns, many expected LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers to be outplayed. But not this outplayed.
The Suns started the game on Tuesday as hot as the Sonoran Desert in the summer. With a clear sense of urgency, they quickly punched the Lakers in the mouth. And in the stomach. And in the groin. They erected a 30-point lead at halftime, 66-36.
According to ESPN Statistics and Information, it's the largest halftime deficit for LeBron in his career in the NBA Playoffs. To add The King's embarrassment, it's also the biggest halftime hole for the Lakers in the postseason since 1992. Pat yourself in the back, Suns.
The Lakers trail by 30 points at halftime.
That's the largest halftime deficit for a LeBron James team in his playoff career.
It's also the Lakers largest halftime deficit in a playoff game since 1992. pic.twitter.com/v4wY65Qp1W
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 2, 2021
To be fair, LeBron was the lone bright spot for the Lakers in the first half, providing most of their paltry production. But it has also become quite clear that he's still not fully recovered from his high-ankle sprain. His movements look limited and his bounce isn't just there. Then again, we can also credit the unforgiving defense of the Suns on LeBron, with Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder sticking to him like leeches covered in adhesive tape.
On the other side of the fence, Devin Booker had his way against the Lakers in Game 5 right from the onset, getting efficient buckets from every corner of the floor, just like what he did for the Suns in the regular season.
LeBron has always upped his game in the NBA Playoffs. But the same couldn't be said in their series against the Suns, where he's averaging the lowest scoring output in his postseason career. LeBron James has never been booted out of the first round, but with the way the Suns are playing, that has become a big possibility.
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