Playing through knee soreness on Friday night, LeBron James helped the Los Angeles Lakers beat the LA Clippers 125-122 at Crypto.com Arena.
“If I’m a player, I have to make something happen, be productive for our team and do what I can do,” James said when asked about dealing with his knee issues. “It happened yesterday in practice during our scrimmage. We went up for a dunk and came down pretty good. A few minutes into the scrimmage it started to get a little sore and it started to get a little tight.”
The 38-year-old veteran praised his team’s defensive efforts as a decisive factor. “We got a few more stops. Both teams shot really well, but we were able to get a few stops. Obviously Luka was phenomenal offensively and we just had to get them in.”
James also reflected on his personal discipline. “When I healed from sciatica, I gave up cookies and wine. It’s just part of my makeup to know that I can shut things out and lock them in. Being able to take out things that I love has given my body the best possible chance to recover.”
As for chemistry with his teammates, James emphasized that every opportunity to play together is important. “Every game, every second, every minute that we were on the floor together, it helps. Tonight was the first game where JJ and the coaching staff could look down and know that everyone was available. We just have to keep pushing.”
He emphasized the importance of ball movement in the Lakers’ 41-point first quarter. “When we share the ball, when we move the ball, we have over 25 assists in the game. We want everyone to feel involved. Smart stayed ready, hardly shot the ball through the first three quarters and then made big shots for us in the fourth.”
James described his alley-oop connection with Deandre Ayton as instinctive. “AR was able to kick it to me. I just read the play before it happens. Before I even received the ball, I looked over at Brook, saw a little attention and knew as soon as I caught it, it went straight into the air to DA and he brought it home for us.”
He also praised Kawhi Leonard’s resilience. “He’s the best. He’s one of the best players ever. I don’t care about the injuries. Those things you can’t control. What he can control is how he comes back and his perseverance every time. That guy is great. I have nothing but good things to say about him.”
James finished with 13 points and 11 assists to lead the Lakers to a season series against the Clippers. Los Angeles improves to 34-21, while the Clippers fall to 27-28. The Lakers host the Boston Celtics on Sunday, with Los Angeles looking to keep the momentum going in the Western Conference playoff race.
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