HOUSTON — After LeBron James guided the Los Angeles Lakers to a dominant 98-78 Game 6 victory over the Rockets on Friday, clinching the first-round series, the 41-year-old star took a moment to appreciate the win.
“It’s not my style at all,” James told ESPN after finishing with 28 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. “I think me personally, the accepting and trying to be OK with the small victories comes with where I am in my career. Understanding, who knows how many more playoff series I’m going to be a part of? If I play one more or two more or three more seasons, that doesn’t guarantee me to be in the postseason. So just trying to appreciate the moments, whatever it is, and however long I’m playing.”
“It’s pretty cool to have the opportunity to lead a team, at 41 years old, into the playoffs and for us to be able to win it.”
James became the oldest player in NBA history to lead all scorers in a playoff series in total points, tallying 139 in a defensively intense matchup.
Lakers coach JJ Redick highlighted the team’s admiration for James. “Literally every single guy was going, ‘baahhhh, baahhhh,'” he said, imitating the goat sounds the team made in celebration. “It speaks to his greatness. To me, he’s had the greatest career of any NBA player.”
This series win marks a meaningful step for the Lakers after James committed to staying in L.A. with a focus on competing at a high level. James has added to his legendary résumé this season, becoming the first player to reach 23 seasons while leading the league in games played and field goals made.
In recent months, James adapted to shifting roles — stepping back as a primary scorer behind teammates before injuries thrust him back into the lead role. “I had to put my ego to the side for the betterment of the team,” he reflected. “I was able to accept that and I was OK with that.”
The Lakers showed strong character after being counted out earlier. “For us to be written off a few weeks ago and to win a playoff series is a big deal,” Redick said. “It speaks to the character of our team and the leaders.”
James especially valued the experience for younger players, including his son Bronny. “We got some guys, it’s their first time winning a playoff series. That means something to me. Bronny played meaningful minutes in a playoff series. It’s pretty cool.”
Los Angeles shut down Houston’s offense with solid defense, led by Deandre Ayton’s strong matchup work and contributions from Marcus Smart and Austin Reaves. The Rockets shot just 35% from the field. Rui Hachimura added 21 points, and the Lakers kept turnovers low at just 11.
The victory earns the Lakers a second-round matchup against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, with Game 1 set for Tuesday after a few days of rest.
“I don’t want to speak too prematurely,” James said about the upcoming series. “We’ll get into it once we get into it.”