The margin for error in the Western Conference is slim, and LeBron James knows the Los Angeles Lakers cannot afford slow starts, especially coming out of the All-Star break.
Against the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles responded with urgency, putting together one of its most connected offensive performances of the season.
The Lakers exploded for 41 points in the first quarter and finished the night with 31 assists on 44 made field goals, a number James believes tells the entire story.
“When we sharing the ball and we’re moving the ball and we have 25-plus assists in the game, we’re a pretty good team,” James said. “We want to try to aim for everyone, everybody to feel involved. I thought Smart, stay ready. I thought he was a true professional. You know, didn’t shoot the ball at all pretty much throughout the first three quarters and then in the fourth quarter, hit big time shots for us.
“So, offensively, we just want to, we try to have low turnover games. Which we we got to continue to be better at that. Not turning the ball over and giving teams pick 6s, but then just everybody feeling the ball, getting the ball moving. So obviously, it starts with Luka and myself and AR, we are the primary ball handlers, and getting everybody involved and not turning the ball over as much. So it was good offensive display for us.”
James and Luka Doncic each finished with 11 assists, while Austin Reaves played a steady supporting role as a secondary creator. The emphasis on shared responsibility stood out, particularly for a roster built around high-usage stars.
The night was not without admiration for the opposition. Kawhi Leonard continued his dominant stretch, prompting James to acknowledge his impact after the win.
James praised Leonard as “one of the greatest players ever,” noting the two-way pressure he consistently applies and the way he can tilt a game on both ends of the floor.
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