INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Mar. 25, 2026 — Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle offered a blunt assessment of what it is like to plan for LeBron James, telling reporters before Wednesday’s matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers, “It sucks.”
Carlisle, speaking at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, praised the 41-year-old forward’s longevity and conditioning. “Transcendent players change the game,” he said. “I’ve seen it all too closely over the years. Mad respect for what he’s done. Passing Robert Parish, for a wing to do that over 21, 22 years, there’s just no words.”
James Shines in Victory
James nearly logged a triple-double in the Lakers’ win over the Pacers, finishing with 23 points, nine rebounds and nine assists in 34 minutes. He shot 9-for-17 from the field and made all five free-throw attempts while Indiana struggled to contain him defensively.
New Role, Same Problem for Opponents
Under first-year head coach JJ Redick, the Lakers have shifted James into a tertiary role behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Despite fewer touches, the veteran forward remains a matchup nightmare as a secondary playmaker and finisher.
Carlisle’s history with James stretches back to the 2011 NBA Finals, when his Dallas Mavericks defeated James’ Miami Heat. Since that series, James has collected four championships and continues to pursue a fifth in his 23rd season.
The Pacers, focused on their lottery odds, could not halt a Lakers team that recently put together a nine-game winning streak. James credited Los Angeles’ “mental toughness” for its ability to erase deficits and close out games late.
Source: LakersNation.com
