LeBron James intentionally confused the brake and gas pedals after the Lakers advanced in Houston, pausing for a moment.
LeBron James has led the Los Angeles Lakers into the second round of the playoffs. After the key scorers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were sidelined, the 41-year-old delivered another performance for the NBA history books against the (supposedly) much-favored Houston Rockets, winning the series 4-2. Even the King himself realized this was far from normal.
«It’s actually not my style,» James explained in an interview with ESPN. The Lakers had just surprisingly won Game 6 in Houston with a clear and dominant 98-78 victory, clinching the series 4-2.
«I think it has to do with where I am in my career, that I can also embrace the small wins and be content with them. I realize: Shit, who knows how many more playoff series I’ll be in? Even if I play for one, two, or three more seasons, there’s no guarantee I’ll make the postseason. So I just try to enjoy the moments, no matter what, and no matter how long I play.»
LeBron James: ‘I was able to set my ego aside for the team’
James’s style was always different. Only wins counted, along with titles, records, and accolades. Last summer, he entered the final year of his contract with the Lakers, where he has played since 2018. The accompanying declaration came from star agent Rich Paul: «LeBron wants to play for a championship. He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but a realistic chance at the title is very important to him.»
Throughout the season, James’s focus seems to have shifted. With apparent great joy, he stepped back into a secondary role for the Lakers: from being the undisputed No. 1 option on all his teams to becoming No. 3 behind Doncic and Reaves.
In March, James enthusiastically told ESPN about his new «totally different role,» which was «super uncomfortable and pleasant at the same time.»
He initially struggled to hold back in head coach JJ Redick’s game plan. Accepting the new role was a big step. «I was able to set my ego aside for the team because I knew I was capable of it,» James explained.
James leads, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, and others follow
April arrived, and suddenly both Doncic and Reaves were injured. The playoffs were nearing.
Redick adjusted his system. James took over the ball and command again. Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart received larger roles in the offense in the absence of the two star guards, and James tirelessly preached defense and cohesion.
The plan worked, even though the Lakers naturally benefited from Rockets superstar Kevin Durant missing five out of six games due to injury. The Lakers won the defensive battle against Houston because several players like Kennard, Smart, Rui Hachimura, or DeAndre Ayton, who defended Alperen Sengün outstandingly in Game 6, took a step or two forward.
James led and delivered plenty of everything, as always. He is now the oldest player in NBA history to have scored the most points in a playoff series: 139 against the Rockets, averaging 23.2 per game. He also added 8.3 assists and 7.2 rebounds.
Father James celebrates Bronny: ‘This shit means something to me’
All of this in a season where he set further historic benchmarks: the first player to be active for 23 seasons, most games played, most field goals ever.
But it seems to be the small things that give him the most joy right now, like witnessing the younger generation, including his son, gain their first postseason experience.
«We have guys who have won their first playoff series. This shit means something to me,» James told ESPN in Houston. «Bronny played important minutes in a playoff series, that’s pretty cool. I’d be lying if I said otherwise: That’s dope!»
Now, James and the Lakers face the defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder, the undisputed favorites. While Reaves has already played two games against the Rockets, a big question mark still hangs over Doncic. The Slovenian is still training in a reduced capacity and is unlikely to be available for the start of the series.
James didn’t want to talk about OKC in Houston yet. He preferred to enjoy the moment.