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Despite a rather lethargic start in their first game back after the All-Star break, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers were still able to overcome a sizable deficit against the Houston Rockets on Thursday. After a huge fourth quarter, the Lakers emerged on top in this one with a final score of 111-106 against James Harden and company.
LeBron led the way for his team with a 29-point effort along with 11 rebounds and six assists. Following the come-from-behind victory, the three-time NBA champion acknowledged the fact that he's kicking things into a higher gear a bit earlier than usual because of the circumstances:
LeBron James on needing to reach a diff level of intensity:"It wasn't that I needed to reach a different level. It was that I needed to be in that level right now under the circumstances that we're in. Just kickstarting something a little bit earlier than I've done in the past.."
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) February 22, 2019
"I like where I'm at. I will love where I'm at in the next few games I believe we'll continue to get better and better. Tonight was a good step in the right direction."
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) February 22, 2019
While James may have been referring to his team's poor start on Thursday against the Rockets, this could have very well been a metaphor to the Lakers' season thus far. This new-look L.A. side has yet to fully find its footing and has now been forced to play catch-up in a regular season that is now entering its final stages.
LeBron James definitely understands his role as this team's undisputed leader on and off the court, so this might just serve as the wakeup call they all need as the team tries to fight for a playoff spot in an overly competitive Western Conference.
Thursday's victory brings the Lakers to 29-29, but they are still currently two and a half games behind the Los Angeles Clippers, who are currently holding on tightly to the eighth and final playoff spot in the West.
