Ime Udoka Speaks Out on LeBron James’ Critical Mistake After Revealing Strategy Against Lakers Stars

In the dying moments of the game, Alperen Sengun’s missed second free throw gave the Lakers one last chance to force a comeback. With just three points separating the teams and 7.1 seconds on the clock, the Lakers had an opportunity for a deep shot. However, the Rockets executed a plan to ensure LeBron James didn’t get his hands on the ball. Amid the chaos, a timeout call seemed to go unnoticed, adding to the drama.

Max Christie had possession at the sidelines, ready to inbound the ball. As he prepared, LeBron James gestured for a timeout with his hands, but the officials did not acknowledge it. Just as Christie moved to pass the ball, Fred VanVleet made a clutch steal, delivering the game-changing moment for Houston. If the ball had reached LeBron, the game’s narrative could have been rewritten. Instead, the Rockets sealed a 119-115 victory, much to the delight of head coach Ime Udoka.

“It was a huge play,” Udoka said during the postgame conference. Reflecting on VanVleet’s crucial move, the 47-year-old coach explained, “Fred was in the perfect position. He denied the ball effectively and kept James away from the basket. Even if LeBron had gotten it, we were prepared to foul him with his back to the hoop. Fred read the play brilliantly, and that’s why we trusted him to guard the ball side and take away those critical actions.”

VanVleet’s veteran instincts proved instrumental in Houston’s victory. Without that steal, as Udoka acknowledged, the game could have shifted dramatically with a potential foul. Yet, VanVleet’s play wasn’t the only factor in Houston’s win. Several tactical adjustments, specifically targeting LeBron James and Anthony Davis, helped secure the outcome.

Stopping the Lakers’ offensive momentum largely revolves around limiting their star duo, LeBron and Davis, who drive the team’s scoring efforts. On Sunday night, Udoka and his Rockets implemented a strategy to do just that. This plan involved key defensive adjustments to neutralize the Lakers’ powerhouses.

When questioned about his decision to use Amen Thompson and Jae’Sean Tate over Tari Eason and Jabari Smith, Udoka clarified, “It wasn’t an overall shift, just something specific for tonight.” He added, “We wanted defensive players matched against Davis and James. Starting Dylan on them gave us a bigger, more physical presence to handle those matchups. That was essential for this game.”

Although Anthony Davis still managed to rack up 30 points, the plan effectively contained LeBron James to just 21, a key factor in Houston’s victory. While the night belonged to the Rockets, the Lakers will undoubtedly aim to bounce back in their next encounter and seek redemption. For now, Udoka’s tactical prowess and his team’s execution earned a well-fought victory over the Purple and Gold.