Before we get to the recaps, it’s time for a vibe check-in on your loyal LeBrondent:

Ok, yup, things are extremely normal around LeReport as always. The north star is shining bright. Now let’s check in on the Lakers…

Remember when the Wolves shot 50% from 3 in Game 1 and blew the Lakers to smithereens? Well, they shot 20% from 3 in Game 2. Oops!

The really funny part here is the Lakers shot all of 21% and scored one fewer point than in Game 1 … and won by 9 instead of losing by 22. Sports are dumb.

JJ Redick went nuclear in the 3rd quarter in one of the most relatable coaching moments of the season:1

The Lakers went on a run immediately after to put the game away.

LeBron said “We know JJ is going to spazz out from time to time. That’s JJ.” and I think that’s beautiful.

I had to find something to fill the 3-day gap between Games 1 and 2, and you won’t be surprised that “mainlining LeBrontent” was a big feature of those 72 hours. In that time I came across a Mount Rushmore-level LeBron stat, one that managed to stun even a scholar of LeBronology like myself.

The premise: since 19962, who has more playoff wins between various championship franchises and the King?3

103-103 with 4:37 to go before Ant and the Wolves defense shoved the Lakers right off a cliff. Going to have to find some answers on offense to win this series because 97ppg clearly isn’t gonna do it. Luka 6-16/2-8 is concerning and something to watch in Game 4.

LeBron’s 38 points at 40 years old makes him the oldest player with 35+ in the playoffs, knocking off some guy named LeBron James4 who did it at 38 years old.

All this while the Warriors, down Jimmy Butler, are making the Rockets look a little silly. Tough times for LA!

The story of this game is JJ Redick opted to play one 5-man lineup for the entire second half. Reaves-Luka-Bron-Rui-DFS for 24 minutes with zero changes. The subplot is the Lakers blowing like four different 10-point leads5. Up to you to decide if they’re related!

One thing that’s definitely related to playing 24 straight minutes is LeBron — who came out hot to start the game with 22 points in as many first-half minutes6 — taking TWO shots inthe 4th quarter. It’s exceedingly rare across Bron’s 22-year career that we really see the limit. The 4th quarter of Game 4 made it clear that high-leverage offense and defense are no longer an “and” proposition for King James. Not surprising at 40 but still something to process given the inevitability of his game through two decades.

I’ll leave it there for now. No matter what happens in Game 5, I’ve got at least one LeReport left for 2025 and I’ll save putting a bow on anything for when the time comes.

Let’s hope the fuckery continues just a little longer. 🕯️