Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis played vital roles in Team USA’s 104-83 victory over Puerto Rico, ensuring an unbeaten record in group play. This win marks Team USA’s third in the current tournament and eighth consecutive victory, counting warm-ups, securing the No. 1 seed for the knockout round. James contributed 10 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds, while Davis added 10 points with solid defensive play as a bench player. The performance included Anthony Edwards, leading with 26 points, showcasing Team USA’s offensive depth. The match demonstrated the team’s preparedness as they advance to the quarterfinals.
By the Numbers
- LeBron James: 10 points (4-of-6 FG), 8 assists, 6 rebounds in 18 minutes.
- Anthony Davis: 10 points (3-of-4 FG), 6 rebounds, 2 blocks in 15 minutes.
- Anthony Edwards: 26 points (11-of-15 FG), 3 rebounds, 2 steals.
Yes, But
While James and Davis excelled, Joel Embiid’s inefficiency raised questions about his starting spot, considering Davis’s strong case for more playtime. Additionally, some may argue that Team USA’s performance against a weaker opponent like Puerto Rico may not fully represent their capabilities moving forward.
State of Play
- USA Basketball secured the No. 1 seed, entering the knockout round with momentum.
- Head coach Steve Kerr’s starting lineup could face scrutiny regarding efficiency and overall synergy.
What’s Next
As Team USA moves into the quarterfinals, adjustments will likely be made based on player performance, especially considering the strong showing by Davis and Edwards. Future matchups will test their depth and strategic cohesion more rigorously.
Bottom Line
The Lakers’ duo of James and Davis is integral to Team USA’s success, but ensuring responsive adaptations in player roles will be key as competition intensifies. Cohesion and efficiency will be critical as they seek gold and possibly reshape the starting lineup.
