Lakers’ Jake LaRavia Lauds LeBron James for Hustle Plays in 23rd Season
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In the wake of mounting injuries, the Los Angeles Lakers have leaned heavily on LeBron James and Luka Doncic, and rookie forward Jake LaRavia says the 41-year-old veteran remains the club’s driving force.
James recorded 13 fourth-quarter points in Friday’s four-point loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Lakers’ first defeat in a clutch situation this season. Beyond the scoring, he dove for loose balls and fought for extra possessions, a sequence LaRavia called “very cool to see.”
“LeBron’s LeBron,” LaRavia said after the game. “He’s No. 1 all-time in points, No. 2 in assists, still playing at an elite level at 41 and was huge down the stretch for us tonight and, honestly, this entire year.”
The Lakers opened the season strong but have stumbled in recent weeks, though they remain inside the Western Conference’s top six. James missed the first two weeks of the schedule while ramping up his conditioning, yet has since found a steady offensive rhythm. With Austin Reaves sidelined by a calf strain, the four-time champion has taken on additional ball-handling duties whenever Doncic rests.
Friday’s defeat dropped Los Angeles to 18-13 on the year. A late turnover by James sealed the team’s 13th loss, but head coach Darvin Ham noted that the upcoming schedule lightens considerably before the calendar flips to 2026.
After the final buzzer, James exchanged jerseys with Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, marking their first head-to-head meeting since Dec. 2, 2022. Antetokounmpo finished with a game-high 36 points, while James closed with 27.
Los Angeles returns to action Monday against the Portland Trail Blazers, the first of five remaining games this month in which James and Doncic are expected to continue steering the short-handed roster.
Source: LakersNation.com
