Lakers defense looks good against LeBron James

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Before Monday night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Lakers had given up at least 100 points in their previous seven outings.

Not surprisingly, the Lakers lost three of those games.

The Lakers held the Cavaliers to 88 points by sticking to a game plan that called for keeping LeBron James in check.

Kobe Bryant was the main defender, and he did a great job of fronting James and keeping the Cleveland star from getting his hands on the basketball.

When James did touch the ball, the Lakers had two other defenders watching his every move. The Lakers also succeeded in shutting down the driving lanes for James.

It was some of the best defense the Lakers have played all season. And it will be interesting to see if they can maintain that level of defensive play.

-- Broderick Turner