By Josh Whittemore, PSO Sports Operations Executive
Feb 09, 2021

 

The ‘Best of the Day’ is a daily PSO original series showcasing the most significant stories, highlights, and facts going on in the land of the NFL, NBA, & MLB every day. Get a recap on EVERYTHING that happened on 2/8 here

With the NFL season officially wrapped up, the NBA took center stage Monday night. Eight games were played, highlighted by the Los Angeles Lakers taking down the Oklahoma City Thunder thanks to another triple-double by LeBron James. Also, Charlotte Hornets rookie LaMelo Ball continues to flash MVP upside with his latest exceptional performance, and Steph Curry keeps adding more ridiculous 3-pointers to his career highlight reel.

Here is the best of the day from February 8, 2021:

King James racked up another triple-double in OT victory over OKC

LeBron James recorded his third triple-double of the season, propelling the Lakers past the Thunder in extra time for their fifth straight victory. James finished the contest with 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists in the 119-112 OT win for LA, who needed 2OT in their last game to defeat the Pistons on Saturday. 

It was the 97th career triple-double for James, who now has the most triple-doubles ever after turning 35 (9), and the most by any player during their 18th season (3). Los Angeles needed James’ best performance against the pesky Thunder, as they were without Anthony Davis due to right Achilles Tendinosis.

After trailing by as many as 11 points in the fourth quarter, the Lakers took their first lead since early in the opening frame on Dennis Schroder‘s pullup jumper with 34.6 to go. Then, with 15.9 seconds remaining, Schroder converted 1-of-2 free throws to give LA a 110-107 lead. 

However, OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander knocked down three clutch free throws with 1.2 seconds remaining to force OT after being fouled on a potential game-tying 3pt attempt. That didn’t phase LA, though, as they outscored OKC 9-2 in OT. The win improves the Lakers record to 19-6 and just a half-game behind the West-leading Jazz, while the Thunder fall to 10-13 on the season.

Related: Stories of the Day

 LaMelo Ball is already showing his MVP potential now that he’s in the starting lineup

Among a tightly contested Rookie of the Year race, LaMelo Ball is starting to emerge as the clear favorite. Charlotte has finally started to insert the young rook into the starting lineup in each of the last five games and he’s rewarded them with the best five-game stretch of his career thus far, averaging 22.6 PPG, 6.6 APG, and 6.0 RPG on an astonishing 51.4% 3P. It seems the confidence Ball has as a starter has directly led to more success from behind the arc and being more aggressive. 

It’s unknown whether Ball will maintain a spot in the starting five considering PG Devonte’ Graham, SG Terry Rozier, or PF PJ Washington have missed each of those games, so LaMelo naturally moved up from 6th man to starter. There’s no telling whether that will continue if all six are healthy but if Charlotte was smart, they’d hand the keys to the youngest Ball brother right now. He’s already shown glimpses of greatness with a skillset similar to some of the best players in the game. 

He can shoot 3’s at a high level already, has natural passing abilities, and owns a finishing package at the rim that’ll lead to an abundance of highlights. PSO pointed out he has a MVP-caliber ceiling in his NBA Draft scouting report because of his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways and is already showing his sky-high potential as the youngest player ever to to drain seven 3PM in a game while also racking up double-digit assists. Who knows when Ball will reach that lofty ceiling but until then, enjoy the show.  

COLORS KEY | FULL HORNETS FUTURE OUTLOOK 

Related: NBA Takeaways of the Day

Steph is a shooter like no other

Related: NBA Highlights | Golden State Warriors Highlights

SF LeBron James, LAL (W v.OKC): 28 PTS (11-22 FG | 2-10 3P), 12 AST, 14 REB, 2 BLK, 2 STL, 5 TO

Related: Players of the Day

Oklahoma City Thunder (112) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (119) [OT]

 [Highlights] @LAKERS (-488; $11.59) d. THUNDER (+488; $8.84) 119-112 (OT) [OKC +10.5 | o218]

Related: Games of the Day

LaMelo Ball has separated himself as the clear front-runner for ROTY

 

Related: Facts of the Day 

NFL Premium Review: Super Bowl 55 by Matthew DelDonna

Tom Brady earned his unprecedented 7th ring by taking down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs behind an incredible defensive performance from the Bucs

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