NBA superstar, LeBron James said he hoped Los Angeles Lakers made the late basketballer, Kobe Bryant, and his family “proud” as the team doubled their lead over the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals with a 14-114 win in game two.
In the game, LeBron James scored 33 points while Anthony Davis contributed 32 as the Lakers wore ‘Black Mamba’ uniforms in honor of the late Laker legend Bryant.
Lakers are only two wins shy from their first NBA title since 2010.
Game three will be played at the NBA bubble on Sunday (Monday 00:30 BST).
Kobe and his daughter Gianna were among the nine people who died in a helicopter crash in January this year.
The Lakers are unbeaten in a match they wore the commemorative jersey.
“It is always special to represent someone who meant so much – not only to the game but obviously for the Lakers organization for over 20 years,” James said.
“For us to honor him on the floor, this is what it is all about. We are thinking of the Bryant family and they are with us.
“We love you guys and hopefully we made them proud tonight.”
During the match, James made nine rebounds and nine assists as the Lakers led for the majority of the contest in the NBA bubble near Orlando, Florida, while Davis converted 15 of 20 shots.
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James and Davis dominated a Heat defense missing the injured Bam Adebayo and James described Dais as a “big-time player”.
“He understands the position he is in and he comes through. He doesn’t say much but he is very determined to do what he needs to do individually and to better the team,” added James.
Heat’s Tyler Herro made history in game two by becoming the youngest player to start a match in the NBA finals. Herro aged 20 years 256 days -beating the previous record held by Magic Johnson in 1980.
The youngster finished with 17 points as the Heat dealt an injury blow who also went into the game without Goran Dragic, outscored their opponents 39-35 in the third quarter to make a game of it. Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 25 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds.