Coming into the postseason without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, it was known that LeBron James would have to play at an unbelievable level for the Los Angeles Lakers to have a chance at success. And in Game 1 against the Houston Rockets, he did that, though not in the way that many had envisioned.
James finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists as the Lakers took down the Rockets 107-98 to take a 1-0 series lead. As opposed to taking on the heavy scoring load, James instead was a facilitator, getting everyone else involved. And the superstar made it clear that he doesn’t go into games with a specific plan, but rather sees how the game plays out and gives the Lakers whatever the team needs on that night.
“For me, I got to do a little bit of everything. It’s what the job requires,” James said after the victory. “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 ballclub, bring value to this team throughout this series.
“I know it’s gonna be a game to game situation, see how the game plays out. So I don’t predetermine what I do. The only thing I predetermine with my game is how I prepare. I prepare before I get to the game and then once I get out there, it’s all about read and reacting, understanding situations. I’ve been in every situation you can ever imagine as a basketball player, so there’s nothing that can surprise me.”
James recognized immediately that he needed to get his teammates going, dishing out eight assists in the first quarter. The Lakers need everyone involved offensively and James ensured that happened. Luke Kennard was on fire and led the Lakers with 27 points and every starter scored in double-figures on this night.
There will undoubtedly be games where the others might not have it going and James recognizes he needs to be aggressive offensively to keep the Lakers afloat, or he needs to take on a bigger defensive role. Whatever is needed, James will figure it out and bring whatever he can to help the Lakers come out on top.
LeBron James pleased with Lakers’ composure in Game 1 vs. Rockets
The Lakers did a lot of good things to come out victorious in Game 1 of their first round series and one thing James was pleased with was his team’s composure on Saturday night.
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