Some people may have thought that LeBron James was going to be very aggressive offensively in Game 1 of the Los Angeles Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets and look to score a lot of points. Some may have even felt that doing so was going to be necessary for him with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves out of action.Instead, James played the role of table-setter for the vast majority of Game 1 on Saturday. He had eight assists in the first quarter alone to jump-start the Lakers' offense, and although he had only four points during that first quarter, his approach worked. The team shot 78.9% from the field in the first period and ended it with a 33-29 lead, and James' early play set the tone for L.A.'s 107-98 victory.James finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists, and after the game, he talked about the role he decided to play."For me, I got to do a little bit of everything," said James. "It's what the job requires. So, being a triple threat, being able to rebound, being able to pass, being able to shoot and also defend and put myself in position where I can bring value to this ball club, bring value to this team throughout this series."It's gonna be a game-to-game situation to see how the game plays out."James did get a little more offensive-minded late in the game by scoring nine points in the fourth quarter to pad L.A.'s lead and repel Houston's attempts to make a rally. But overall, he throttled back and let a few others do more of the heavy lifting offensively.Center Deandre Ayton, who may be the biggest key in this series for L.A. other than James, had 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting, as well as 11 rebounds. The biggest offensive star on Saturday was sharpshooting guard Luke Kennard. He went 9-of-13 from the field and made all five of his 3-point attempts to score a career playoff high of 27 points.Granted, the Lakers may have been gifted this win due to the unexpected absence of Rockets future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant, who was ruled out just prior to the opening tip due to a knee ailment. But the Lakers' balanced offensive output, their high efficiency they shot 60.6% overall and 52.6% from downtown and their defensive effort and decision-making bode well for them moving forward.This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: LeBron James on roundabout role he played in Lakers' Game 1 win

With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined, LeBron James ignited the Lakers' offense with "a little bit of everything," posting 19 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds and two steals in a Game 1 upset of the Rockets.

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Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana has finally arrived in the city to join Kolkata Knight Riders, giving a much-needed boost to the side that is currently languishing at the bottom of the IPL table.

SportsLine soccer expert Martin Green reveals his best bets for the Chelsea vs. Man United Premier League match on April 18

Steve Nicol names who he thinks will be next Liverpool manager, and whod be a solid alternativeSteve Nicol has named who he thinks is likely to be the next Liverpool manager if FSG were to sack Arne Slot, along with citing an alternative candidate hed welcome in the job.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ONAPPLE&GOOGLE PLAYThe Dutchman has come under ever-intensifying scrutiny during a wretched season at Anfield, with Danny Murphy calling for a change in the dugout, and several names have already been mentioned as potential successors.The most prominent of those has been Xabi Alonso, given his previous ties with the club and his immediate availability, while Andoni Iraola has reportedly impressed the LFC hierarchy with his work at Bournemouth, who hes leaving at the end of this campaign.Nicol makes Liverpool manager predictionNicol was asked onESPN FC whether hed persevere with Slot or hire either of the aforementioned Spaniards at Liverpool for next season.He answered:I like Iraola. I like the way his Bournemouth play the game. Under normal circumstances I wouldve said Alonso, but he absolutely bombed at Real Madrid and you have to take that into consideration.However, if Arne Slot is not going to be there at the start of the season, I dont see how FSG dont go with Alonso. Im going to go Alonso I think, ultimately.If something happened with Alonso and he didnt want it, or they werent keen with what happened at Real Madrid, Id have absolutely no problem with Andoni Iraola next season.Do Liverpool stick with Slot, or make a move for Alonso or Iraola?If Liverpool are on the lookout for a new manager over the summer, Alonso would appear to be the outstanding candidate, given his existing connection with the Reds from his playing days and his exceptional work in winning an unbeaten German double with Bayer Leverkusen two years ago.Nicol mentioned the 44-year-olds brief and unhappy stint at Real Madrid earlier this season, but that owes more to the hideously demanding circumstances of working at the Bernabeu than any major failings on the Spaniards part.Want more Empire of the Kop coverage? Add us as apreferred source on Googleto your favourites list for news you can trustIraola is also marking himself out as a legitimate candidate for a job at an elite club with his work at Bournemouth, who as of Sunday morning sit just four points off the Champions League positions in the Premier League, a remarkable feat given how their budget compares to other top-flight outfits.Furthermore, as football data writer Thom Harris outlined for The Athletic, the Cherries boss is renowned for an aggressive, high-pressing tactical approach which is reminiscent of what Jurgen Klopp implemented with huge success at Liverpool.For the time being, the debate as to who takes over in the dugout would appear to be moot, with David Ornstein reporting in recent days that FSG intend to keep faith in Slot even if the Reds fail to qualify for the Champions League.Should that stance change and they decide to dismiss the 47-year-old, though, either Alonso or Iraola would appear to be solid options (unless theyre hired by other clubs in the meantime).

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