LeBron James Highlights Ball Movement as Lakers Surge Past Clippers
lebron-james-highlights-ball-movement-lakers-offense
LOS ANGELES — Feb. 20, 2026 — LeBron James pointed to unselfish play and careful ball control after the Los Angeles Lakers opened the post-All-Star schedule with a 41-point first quarter and a victory over the red-hot Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena.
“When we’re sharing the ball and we have 25-plus assists, we’re a pretty good team,” James said. “It starts with Luka, myself and AR; we’re the primary ball handlers. We’ve got to keep everyone involved and cut down on turnovers.”
The Lakers finished with 31 assists on 44 made shots. James and Luka Doncic accounted for 11 assists apiece, helping Los Angeles shoot confidently from long range. Marcus Smart, who had barely attempted a shot through three quarters, knocked down key baskets in the fourth.
James stressed that limiting “pick-sixes” — live-ball turnovers that lead directly to opponent scores — will be essential as the Western Conference race tightens. The win came against a Clippers squad riding Kawhi Leonard’s 27.8-point scoring average since early January. After the game, James called Leonard “one of the greatest players ever.”
The Lakers hope Friday’s performance sets the tone for the season’s final stretch, where sustained ball and player movement remain their stated blueprint for success.
Source: Lakers Nation
