LeBron James emphasized the Los Angeles Lakers’ urgency as they approach the final stretch of the regular season, making it clear that the team’s goal is to secure a direct playoff berth.
“Playing with urgency. We know that we got a lot of playoff experience in this locker room, but we all know that one play here, one play there can be the difference between winning a playoff series or not,” James said postgame.
The Lakers improved to 46-29 after holding off the Houston Rockets 104-98 at Crypto.com Arena on Monday night, strengthening their grip on a top-six seed in the Western Conference.
James contributed 16 points and eight rebounds, while Luka Doncic led Los Angeles with 20 points and nine assists. Gabe Vincent and Dorian Finney-Smith each added 20 points, combining for 12 three-pointers.
Houston, which had won 12 of its last 14 games, struggled offensively, shooting 31.3% from deep. Jalen Green managed just nine points on 4-of-13 shooting, while Amen Thompson led the Rockets with 20 points.
James acknowledged how tight the standings are in the Western Conference, noting that every game carries significant weight in determining playoff seeding.
“It’s so close. This year in particular, so close, and people are jumping each other, falling behind, whatever the case may be,” James said. “For us, obviously, our mission is to lock in a playoff spot and not have to play in the Play-In, so we understand what’s at stake.”
The Lakers’ defense proved crucial in the closing moments, with James blocking Alperen Sengun’s shot late in the fourth quarter to help secure the win.
Houston had cut the lead to 100-98 after Dillon Brooks split a pair of free throws with 20.1 seconds remaining, but Los Angeles responded by calling a timeout and controlling possession.
James then knocked down two free throws with 11.1 seconds left before sealing the game with a defensive stop.
Despite the win, James admitted he is still regaining his conditioning after recovering from a groin injury that sidelined him recently.
“Every day, every game, I’m starting to feel a little bit better. After the injury, my wind is getting back a little bit better,” James said. “Besides coming off that last road trip and being under the weather once again.”
The Lakers made 16 three-pointers in the game, shooting 34.8% from beyond the arc, while Houston struggled from distance, hitting just 10-of-32.
Vincent’s six three-pointers provided a much-needed spark, and Finney-Smith’s 20 points marked his highest-scoring game since joining Los Angeles.
With just a few games left in the regular season, the Lakers are focused on avoiding the Play-In Tournament, where a single loss could jeopardize their playoff hopes.
The Rockets, now 49-27, remain in second place in the Western Conference but will need to bounce back quickly to solidify their standing in a competitive playoff race.
