Feb 10, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Luguentz Dort (5) reacts with center Al Horford (42) after scoring a basket and drawing a foul against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Despite the Oklahoma City Thunders’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night, Al Horford says Lu Dort is ‘as good as anyone I’ve seen’ defending LeBron James.
The Los Angeles Lakers secured their sixth win in a row on Wednesday night when they only just beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 114-113 in overtime. LeBron James finished with 25 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds. James made the game-tying 3-pointer late in regulation and sealed the game by deflecting the Thunder’s inbounds pass on the last play of the game.
Still, 21-year old Luguentz Dort is being praised for how he managed King James in the game.
Down the stretch, Lu Dort guarded James, forcing him into a couple of tough shots that kept OKC in the game. Watch as he hounds LeBron, leaving him virtually no space to get a decent shot off.
This is the kind of defense that had NBA fans buzzing about Lu Dort last year. Now, Al Horford just paid him a pretty big compliment.
Al Horford says Lu Dort is one of the best at defending LeBron James
Dort made a name for himself during last year’s NBA bubble when he was tasked with stopping James Harden. His defensive skills are remaining consistent this season and his offense has gotten a much-needed boost.
NBA veteran and OKC big man Al Horford said after the game that the second-year player defended James better than most.
That’s quite the compliment.
Horford has certainly had his fair share of run-ins with James in the past as a member of the Atlanta Hawks when both guys were back in the Eastern Conference.
Dort held his own, and even though the Thunder couldn’t secure the win, he’s gotta feel good hearing statements like that from his teammates in what’s turning out to be his breakout season.