LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers figured in a pivotal Game 5 against the Phoenix Suns. After a 115-85 drubbing, it's safe to say they flubbed their opportunity to take control of the series.

The Lakers star didn't mince words when asked to summarize what went wrong against a determined Suns side, via ClutchPoints' Michael Corvo.

“We got our ass kicked, it's just that simple,” said James on the Game 5 defeat.

No nonsense from King James. At this point in the season, there's no reason to stay cryptic or try to speak on any moral victories, and the Lakers star knows it. The gravity of the situation isn't lost on LeBron. He knows he has to bring it in Game 6, with or without Anthony Davis by his side.

“It's literally win or go home at that point. You shoot all of the bullets you got, and throw the gun, too,” James said on the Lakers' uphill battle in Game 6. (via The Athletic's Jovan Buha)

LeBron James is no stranger to coming back from a late series deficit. The most famous example being his 2015-16 Cleveland Cavaliers overcoming a 3-1 lead against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. But this is the first time the Lakers star is facing such a challenge in the first round of the playoffs. James is in uncharted territory as he leads the Purple & Gold into Game 6.