LeBron James emphasized defense as the key to the Lakers’ fourth-quarter surge in Thursday’s 143-135 victory over the Utah Jazz at Delta Center.
“We got to get stops. That was the most important thing,” James said. “Obviously, we know this Utah team can score a lot of points at a very high rate, but it was very imperative that we got stops. We had to get stops to start the fourth and then our offense was able to click.”
James highlighted communication and execution as critical factors. “Communication obviously and then the point of attack. We got to control the controllables and we can’t make mistakes. We have a game plan and we have to execute those,” he explained.
Despite taking a sharp blow to his knee during the game, James played through the pain. “Just a little bolt to the knee, like a sharp pain on the inside. I just wanted to take my time as it calmed down,” he said. “I told my trainer, I said we dodged the bullet there.” The 40-year-old acknowledged the challenges of maintaining his body over 23 NBA seasons. “A little over a week from turning 41… it could be anybody. You take a blow to the knee at that speed, it can be alarming. I’m very grateful nothing came of it.”
James praised the Lakers’ increasing use of off-ball actions in their offense. “You have to have an array of offensive sets… it can’t just be ISO or heavy pick and roll or heavy post-ups. Tonight was a good start for us,” he said. He also lauded Luka Doncic’s performance in the comeback, calling it “Luka Magic… he’s just so damn good. It’s ridiculous.”
On Keyonte George, James was brief but acknowledged his impact. “He played great tonight, he played great last time we played him, and he’s playing good ball versus us,” James said.
James stressed the importance of preparation and strength training in sustaining his play at this stage of his career. “Everything we do in the offseason, everything we do during the season is all about being proactive to if I take a certain fall, take a certain hit… maybe you’re not out as long, maybe you’re able to shake it off,” he said.
The Lakers overcame the absence of Deandre Ayton and Austin Reaves, while James contributed 28 points and 10 assists, and Doncic recorded 45 points, 14 assists, and 11 rebounds. Los Angeles outscored Utah 41-29 in the fourth quarter, claiming their third win in four games despite allowing a season-high 135 points.
