The Los Angeles Lakers have quietly put together one of their most impressive stretches of the season, and for LeBron James, the reason goes far beyond the box score.
Heading into their matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles sat at 14 wins and 2 losses throughout March, a run fuelled by strong performances and an evolving team dynamic. While Luka Doncic has played a major role, James has embraced a different responsibility within the group, and it’s paying off.
“We’re in a good place right now,” James said after the win. “The chemistry is high. Everyone loves being around each other. We love playing for one another. We love being off the floor with one another. It’s a good tight-knit group and we gotta carry that for the rest of the regular season then I feel like the postseason is a whole new season.”
That chemistry was on full display in their win over the Washington Wizards, where James recorded a 21-point triple-double despite Doncic being out of the lineup. He was one of four players to score at least nineteen points, highlighting a balanced approach that has defined this stretch.
Even against a struggling opponent, James emphasized the importance of maintaining standards as the postseason approaches.
“I mean we had a professional approach,” he added. “We came in we got the job done, understanding, doesn’t matter who we’re playing, we’re still trying to build habits for the postseason, so it was a good win for us.”
At this stage of his career, James is also finding more appreciation in the moment. Following yet another historic performance, becoming the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double, he reflected on how his mindset has shifted.
“I’ve had moments more this year than last year. But I’ve enjoyed more in the moment. It’s pretty cool,” James said. “It’s pretty cool to know that I’m at this point in my career and I’m still able to do those things. It’s super dope, it’s super humbling and just trying to put the work in or continue to put the work in and just, and those are the results of it.”
READ MORE: Bulls Cut Ties with Jaden Ivey Following Controversial Ant-LGBTQ Comments
