LeBron James pushes Lakers past Rockets; Doncic’s return remains distant
lebron-james-pushes-lakers-past-rockets-doncics-return-remains-distant
The Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up their first-round series against the Houston Rockets, and 41-year-old LeBron James stopped to savor the moment.
“Who knows how many more playoff series I’m going to be a part of? Just trying to appreciate the moments,” James told reporters after Friday’s clincher, according to ESPN.
James produced 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in the decisive game and finished the series with 139 points, making him the oldest player in NBA history to lead a postseason matchup in scoring.
Expanded role in wake of injuries
With guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined by injuries, James shifted from an off-ball role back to primary creator. “It was super uncomfortable, but comfortable,” he said. “I was able to put my ego to the side.”
Ayton’s defensive impact
Center Deandre Ayton, acquired at midseason, drew the assignment of containing Houston big man Alperen Şengün and limited the Rockets’ facilitator to a single assist in the finale. “I took the challenge,” Ayton noted.
Awaiting the Thunder—and more uncertainty
Los Angeles now faces the defending champion and top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals, entering the matchup as significant underdogs. The task could be tougher early: ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that Doncic is “not close” to returning from a hamstring injury, signaling that the Lakers may again rely heavily on James in the next round.
Source: Hoops Wire
