LeBron James described the fourth-quarter run that propelled the Lakers past the Pelicans as a combination of execution and defense. “Just executing our sets and then was able to cash in a couple threes… but it started with the defense. We were able to get some stops and was able to get back into the game, take the lead,” James said after the 111-103 victory on Tuesday, January 6.
The 41-year-old superstar credited his approach to coaching guidance and experience. “It’s whatever JJ and the coaching staff want to approach the game, and then it’s up to me to figure it out… I have to do what I have to make winning plays no matter what the circumstances,” James explained, highlighting the Lakers’ ongoing injury challenges with Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent sidelined.
James spoke about his appreciation for the game at this stage of his career. “I just appreciate it. I think I have more of an appreciation on a night-to-night basis when I’m able to suit up… I’m 41 years old, so just appreciating the ability to go out there and make winning plays, help my team win, compete for whatever we’re competing for that night,” he said.
On his partnership with Luka Doncic, James praised their adaptability and team-first mindset. “It’s up to us to put ourselves in the right position… Luka is our 27-year-old franchise ball, he doesn’t need to bend his game. It’s up to us to bend our game around him and figure it out,” he said, emphasizing their combined pick-and-roll threat.
James also noted the importance of preparation and chemistry with the new Lakers core. “The one thing I was hoping to get was a full summer of me being able to train, and then me, Luka, AR to get a full training camp, full preseason… now we can lock in and go off what we finished last year,” he said, referencing the team’s early-season setbacks.
Despite missing teammates and facing a Pelicans squad led by Trey Murphy’s 41 points, James said the Lakers’ approach remained simple: “Every time we hit the floor, Luka has the ball in his hands, I have the ball in my hands. We have to make sure we’re putting our guys in position offensively and then defensively.”
The Lakers improved to 23-11, with James scoring 30 points and adding eight assists, while Doncic contributed 30 points and 10 assists. The win marked Los Angeles’ fourth in five games, extending New Orleans’ losing streak to eight.
