Los Angeles Lakers superstar small forward LeBron James has brought the franchise back to the playoffs for the first time in six seasons.

The Lakers clinched a playoff spot on Friday after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks at Staples Center.

James says he and his teammates are putting the Lakers “back where they needed to be.”

“I came here to put this team and put this franchise back where they needed to be,” James said, via ESPN. “The league is not what it is if the Lakers are not winning. And that was one of my responsibilities, one of my goals when I came here.

“Last year, wasn't able to fulfill that. Hurt me to my heart to go down on Dec. 25 with the groin injury that I had — knock on wood.”

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves in for the dunk against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
LeBron James puts ‘no bag’ critics on blastZachary Draves ·
Byron Scott during the Jerry Colangelo Golf Classic on September 13, 2024.
Former Laker Byron Scott reveals Kobe Bryant’s ‘most gangster s**t’ everMiguel La Torre ·
Coco Gauff of the United States poses with the trophy after winning the women’s singles final against Aryna Sabalenka on day 14 at Roland Garros Stadium.
LeBron James erupts with huge reaction to Coco Gauff’s French Open winLorenzo J Reyna ·
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kobe Bryant, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers
How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander draws ‘influence’ from Kobe BryantTomer Azarly ·
LeBron James, Stephen (Steph) Curry, who may be heading to an ESPN NBA broadcasting booth after they retire, after Lakers-Warriors game on December 25, 2024.
ESPN has ‘hopeful’ LeBron James, Stephen Curry wishAndrew Korpan ·
Chris Paul rescinded NBA trade Lakers Hornets
Chris Paul shuts down Hornets-Lakers trade conspiracyJulian Ojeda ·

The Lakers have the best record in the Western Conference and are title contenders with LeBron and Anthony Davis leading the charge.

James is averaging 25.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 10.7 assists on the season. He’s shooting 49.9 percent from the field, 34.7 percent from beyond the arc and 69.8 percent from the free-throw line.

Now that he’s healthy again, LeBron has been active on defense, something we didn’t see last season when he was dealing with that groin injury. The Lakers need James to be elite on defense during the NBA playoffs if they are going to win the whole thing.

The Lakers are back in action on Sunday against the L.A. Clippers. The Purple and Gold are 0-2 against Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers this season.