LeBron James Eager for 2026 Postseason as Short-Handed Lakers Prepare for Rockets
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April 12, 2026 — With the 2026 NBA Playoffs only days away, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James said he is energized by the challenge of leading a depleted roster into a first-round matchup against the Houston Rockets.
Los Angeles closed the 2025-26 regular season as the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference, but will start the postseason without injured starters Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The Lakers edged the Rockets in the season series, yet enter the best-of-seven set as underdogs.
James: “The postseason is gonna be lit”
Speaking on the latest episode of his “Mind the Game” podcast, the 23-year veteran expressed excitement despite the obstacles ahead.
“Listen, the postseason is about to be, as the young kids will say, lit,” James said. “It doesn’t matter what you did in the regular season. That’s out the window now. I’m excited, man, I can’t wait.”
Houston presents balanced threat
The Rockets finished the schedule playing some of their best basketball behind the trio of Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengün, a combination expected to test Los Angeles on both ends of the court. The upcoming series will mark the first playoff meeting between James and Durant since the 2018 NBA Finals.
Missed duel with Curry
James also noted his disappointment at not facing longtime rival Stephen Curry at any point during the 2025-26 campaign, leaving fans without a single matchup between the two future Hall of Famers.
The Lakers open the postseason later this week at Crypto.com Arena, where James will try to extend his playoff career and add another series victory to his resume.
Source: Lakers Nation
