LeBron James will spend the opening nights of the NBA postseason on his couch instead of the court after the Los Angeles Lakers clinched the Western Conference’s fourth seed, avoiding the league’s Play-In Tournament for the first time since 2021.
During the latest episode of his “Mind the Game” podcast with Steve Nash, the 41-year-old forward said he is eager to trade the added pressure of a single-elimination matchup for a glass of wine and extra scouting time.
“I am happy because, being a participant of the f—– Play-In for some years, I get to sit back on my couch with my wine, knowing I don’t have to play until the weekend,” James said. “I’ll have one iPad with golf on and the other one with the Play-In. A week to prepare, watch and just enjoy basketball—yeah, it’s perfect.”
Lakers Benefit From Needed Rest
The additional days off arrive at a critical moment. Guards Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are expected to miss at least the start of the first-round series against the Houston Rockets, placing more responsibility on James to carry the offense. Los Angeles opens the postseason at Crypto.com Arena later this week.
Past Success in Play-In, Present Preference to Skip It
Since the NBA introduced the Play-In Tournament in 2021, the Lakers are 3-0 in those games, highlighted by victories over Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors and an overtime thriller against the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2023. Despite that perfect record, the franchise is pleased to watch this year’s contests from afar as the Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers and Warriors scramble for the West’s final two playoff berths.
Redick Calls James’ 23rd Season “Remarkable”
Head coach JJ Redick credited James for another high-level campaign in his 23rd NBA season, noting that the veteran adjusted roles throughout the year while still producing efficiently. “What he did this year wasn’t just great, it was remarkable,” Redick said.
The Lakers begin their best-of-seven series against Houston after the Play-In concludes, giving James the rest—and the wine—he wanted.
Source: Lakers Nation
