The Los Angeles Lakers are betraying their loyal fanbase with underwhelming performances, and LeBron James understands this better than anyone. In the wake of the Lakers’ disappointing 116-102 loss to the LA Clippers, LeBron offered a candid assessment of the team’s current mentality.
Despite his impressive performance, scoring 25 points and dishing out 11 assists, James emphasized the necessity for the Lakers to perform at an exceptionally high level every night. In response to a question about whether the team could afford to give themselves more margin for error, he bluntly stated what needs to be said.
“We don’t have a choice. That’s the way our team is constructed… We have to play close to perfect basketball,” James said.
LeBron says the Lakers "have to play close to perfect basketball"
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) January 20, 2025
"We don't have a choice, that's the way our team is constructed."
However, Bron came clean on addressing the team’s collective failure at defense. He acknowledged that despite being a great team laden with talent, they need to capitalize on chances. James’s remarks illustrate the intense pressure the Lakers face this season. With a record of 22-18, they currently sit as the sixth seed in a highly competitive Western Conference.
LeBron James is now in his 22nd season and, at 40 years old, remains one of the top players in the NBA. He’s averaging 23.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game, with impressive shooting stats of 51.4% from the field and 40.0% from beyond the arc over 37 games.
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LeBron James Is Winning Confidence Of His Teammates
Despite the team’s struggles on offense and defense, James is still pushing to his limits at 40. And because of that, his teammates still feel confident in taking chances on him.
With star teammate Anthony Davis sidelined against the Brooklyn Nets, Reaves stepped up alongside LeBron James. The duo combined for 67 points, demonstrating their offensive chemistry. Reaves had the opportunity to chase a personal milestone, but he assisted James with a highlight lob instead.
“I’ve seen my whole life him(LeBron) catching lobs and dunking. So to be the one throwing him the ball is still cool to me, especially at his age. Not saying he’s old, but he’s getting up there, and he can still jump way better than most people ever can. So I don’t really think it was a great pass. But to him, he don’t miss many lobs,” Reaves said.
“Me and Bron had a conversation at center court. Just figure out a way to win the game.”
— Andrew Robinson (@_itseazyy) January 18, 2025
Austin Reaves had a career high 38 Points (15 in the 4th Q). Lebron had 29, 8, and 7.
Here’s Austin on his ever changing role with the team, and how he’s adjusted to being a primary scorer! pic.twitter.com/oFdRYxtIOR
LeBron also recognized the strong rapport that he and Reaves developed over their three seasons together. He appreciated Reaves’ passing and ball-sharing abilities.
