Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was asked about his intention of activating “playoff mode” following his team's shock loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1 of their first-round matchup on Tuesday.
LeBron was quick to remind the media about the huge difference of playing inside the bubble, and how this has affected their play:
Lakers’ LeBron James on playoff atmosphere in the bubble: “I continue to say this is different. We’re in a bubble with no fans. But as far as me being locked in on the gameplan, that doesn’t change. Not one bit.” pic.twitter.com/2TM2jB6oKD
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) August 19, 2020
For the record, LeBron James finished Game 1 with 23 points, 17 rebounds, 16 assists, and a steal, which actually turned out to be a record-setting triple-double in the playoffs. In the process, he also surpassed the late, great Kobe Bryant for the third-most triple-doubles in Lakers franchise history, so it would probably be safe to assume that he has already activated playoffs mode as it is.
Then again, the Lakers still lost, and at the end of the day, that's the most important thing for LeBron. There's no denying that James will expect more from his teammates moving forward, after practically carrying his team on Tuesday.
For his part, Lakers star Anthony Davis chipped in quite admirably, finishing with a team-high 28 points, 11 rebounds, an assist, two steals, and two blocks, but he too struggled from the field, going only 8-of-24 from the field and 0-of-5 from 3-point territory.
The Lakers have placed themselves in quite a hole with their disappointing Game 1 loss, but clearly, all is not lost at this point. Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday, and the Lakers will have to win that one so as to avoid risking a cataclysmic ending to what has been a tremendous season for them.
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