"Just like James enjoys having the rookies carry shoes because of Ricky Davis, is this another kind of legacy?"
The Lakers’ sideline inbound pass goes to Bozer, who receives it in the low post and scores off the backboard after breaking through Cunningham.
Hansen continues to break through and distribute the ball, but unfortunately this time Bargnani did not seize the three-point opportunity.
James secures the rebound.
Turning back, Bozer continues to play low post against Cunningham, scoring with his signature fadeaway jumper.
Bozer scores 4 straight points after coming on, helping the Lakers narrow the score to 12-16.
As an East University graduate, Hansen is very familiar with Bozer, who had effectively shut down Yao Ming with his mid-range game during his time with the Jazz.
He had a standout stint with the Bulls after leaving the Jazz in the summer of 2010, averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds last season.
However, after his contract expired in the summer, he did not receive a renewal offer from the Bulls and eventually chose to join the Lakers for a chance at success.
From his performance in the past period, it’s clear that he still has gas in the tank.
This also made coach Scott’s adjustments effective.
With the Cavaliers’ lineup, Cunningham’s low post was a point of vulnerability; if the Lakers couldn’t stop Hansen, then forcing Cunningham off the court could achieve a similar effect.
Offensively, Hansen calls for a pick and roll with Cunningham next time he has the ball.
The main reason Bozer was let go by the Bulls is that his defense became a liability as he got older.
Playing against James is easy; playing against Bozer is even easier.
James didn’t want to guard Hansen to begin with, and when he saw Cunningham setting a pick, he got caught in the blockade.
Knowing he couldn’t keep up with Hansen’s penetration, Bozer kept retreating on defense.
Hansen seized the opportunity for a quick stop mid-range shot.
But what happened next was unexpected to everyone.
James, who was already blocked by Cunningham, actually pushed Cunningham towards Hansen.
James was no longer satisfied with just sending his teammate to defend; he wanted to shoot over the mountains!
Caught off guard, Cunningham couldn’t control his body and bumped into Hansen, but even after the collision, Hansen still made his shot.
The referee’s whistle immediately followed; it was an and-one.
Although James’ defense was innovative, it didn’t escape the referee’s call.
James spread his hands to explain to the referee, but it didn’t change the decision.
This scene was shown on the LED big screen, eliciting a wave of jeers from the crowd.
Hansen steps to the free-throw line.
"Playing with LeBron must be exasperating, right?" Hansen threw Kobe’s words back at him, in front of James’s face.
As someone who had played with James, his words were irrefutable.
Kobe’s expression was quite interesting at this moment; according to his character, he should be angry, but James’ continuous antics made it hard for him to be truly upset.
So, in the end, he just pursed his lips and turned his head away.
"Don’t be angry, it was your choice," Hansen’s taunt directly hit Kobe in the heart.
If Kobe had not agreed, even if Nike had plans, James couldn’t have gone to the Lakers.
Still, Kobe got riled up.
When Hansen made the additional free throw, Kobe took the ball, gesturing to clear out before taking Tucker one-on-one, changing directions and driving hard into the paint.
However, as he charged inside, Hansen was already there to defend.
Hansen wasn’t the type to stir things up and not take responsibility.
Kobe’s shot, under Hansen’s interference, missed the basket.
Hansen quickly took the rebound and pushed the pace, dodging James’ defense on his way up the court, then passed the ball to Irving.
Upon receiving the ball in the frontcourt, Irving glanced back at Hansen and lobbed the ball against the backboard, despite Lin Shuhao’s defense.
After getting fired up, he could dish out some great assists!
Leaping into the air, Hansen caught the ball and followed with a windmill dunk.
It seemed like a warm-up for a dunk contest between the two!
This immediately electrified the fans at Quicken Loans Arena, with whistles and cheers erupting one after another.
The momentum that Bozer had just managed to reignite for the Lakers suddenly felt on the verge of collapsing again.
Scott had no choice but to call another timeout.
Irving excitedly high-fived with Hansen; they seemed quite pumped.
After the timeout, both teams entered into rotations.
Kobe and Hansen were replaced for a rest; now it was James and Irving leading the teams.
During this staggered playtime, James finally found an opportunity, driving into the paint and drawing a foul, earning two free throws.
At the free-throw line, James was met with jeers from the audience.
It was then Irving made an unexpected gesture.
He waved his hands at the crowd, signaling for even louder jeers.
Subsequently, the booing doubled.
Hansen couldn’t help but laugh at the scene.
James was taken aback for a moment, and his expression turned steely when he turned back to see Irving’s actions.
His confidence took a hit, and his first free throw clanked off the rim.
Fortunately, he made the second attempt, finally scoring his first point of the night.
But no sooner had he finished at the line, Irving turned back and worked a handoff with Hawes, drilling a three-pointer. Updates are released by 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⁂𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⁂𝔫𝔢𝔱
That brought his first-quarter total to 13 points, the highest on the court.
On defense, Irving turned his head towards James and shouted:
"You guys can’t defend me at all!"
Tonight, he was really taking it to James.
James, now irate as well, went to the frontcourt after setting a pick for Blake, then backed down Irving, calling for the ball.
If he couldn’t play Hansen, couldn’t he take on you, Irving?