LeBron James Details How He Saves Energy for Late-Game Push
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HOUSTON — A 41-year-old LeBron James played 45 minutes and orchestrated a furious finish Friday night as the Los Angeles Lakers erased a six-point deficit in the final 30 seconds, forced overtime and beat the Houston Rockets to take a 3-0 lead in their first-round series.
James and teammate Marcus Smart combined for two steals and six points during the closing stretch of regulation, turning what looked like a Rockets victory into an extra-period opportunity the Lakers ultimately converted. James finished with 29 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals.
After the game at Toyota Center, James explained how he manages to stay fresh for critical possessions despite the heavy workload.
“I’ve just been preparing myself for these moments,” he said. “Throughout the course of a game we’re trying to find ways where I can get a break, but it was a possession game. If that meant I didn’t get a break, I’ve got to dig deeper for us to win and go up 3-0. We don’t play tomorrow, so I’ll rest all day.”
James entered the postseason with questions about his durability after missing time earlier in the year with a sciatica issue and starting the season slowly. Yet he continues to serve as the Lakers’ primary scorer and creator deep into his 23rd NBA campaign.
Father-to-Son Connection
The night also featured a highlight in the second quarter when James lofted a lob to his rookie son, Bronny James, who completed a reverse layup.
“He was calling for it,” the elder James said on the Prime Video broadcast. “I’ve seen his steps for so long. He was gathering and I was like, ‘Go get it.’ I’m glad he was able to go up and reverse it.”
With an off day before Game 4, James said his focus is simple: rest and remain in the moment as the Lakers look to close out the series.
Source: Lakers Nation
