LeBron James Says the Houston Rockets Caught Them Flat-Footed

By M.G. Alison. First Posted: Sep 05, 2020 11:44 AM EDT

LeBron James said the Houston Rockets caught them flat-footed with their speed as the Los Angeles Lakers vowed to the Rockets, 112-97, in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinals.

As quick as the Lakers dismissed their first-round opponent in Portland Trail Blazers, it was also that quick that the Rockets did away with them in their first game.

The six days layoff that they had after the first round seemed to have weakened the Lakers, who got surprised by the Rockets' speed.

In a report on ESPN, James said that the Rockets were fast both on the offense and defense.

He added that their speed could be seen on film, but only until you get out there and get to feel it can their speed be comprehended. James noted that was what happened to them on Friday night.

But James said that having experienced the Rockets' speed already, they should be ready for it when they face each other on September 6 for Game 2.

The Rockets held James scoreless in the final quarter, but he still finished with 20 points. Houston's speed allowed them to force Los Angeles to commit 17 turnovers that translated to 27 points to their credit.

According to James, aside from watching the Rockets legs, they should also watch out for their fast hand movements which explained the high number of turnovers.

James compared the Rockets' lineup of James Harden and Russell Westbrook, two of NBA's Most Valuable Players, to that of St. Louis Rams in the National Football League (NFL).

He said that there is no way they can stimulate that speed, but they can adjust to it by playing against it.

Meanwhile, the Lakers losing to the Rockets is not surprising as pundits had named Houston as one of the teams who could put the Lakers in danger.

This season - three of the four games wherein the Lakers had a low percentage of passes completed - were against the Rockets.

The Lakers had played James at shooting guard with Rajon Rondo at point guard, Kyle Kuzma and Markieff Morris as forwards and Dwight Howard as the center, said a report on the CBS Sports.

While the Lakers had the big men, this was not a problem for the Houston as both teams finished with the same 41 rebounds. They tallied 40 points in the paint while the Rockets managed 42 points.

The Lakers should note three things in their Game 1 defeat to the Rockets, according to a report on the Silver Screen and Roll.

First, if Rondo's ability to make plays out of the pick and roll is not to be used, then he should not be put on the floor for a longer period. Secondly, Houston has no problem with big men as they have defeated many teams with big men with their small men lineup. And third, they should all realize that they can be better and can be better.

Just like James said, having experienced the Rockets' speed, they should already be prepared to it come Game 2.