LeBron James reflected on the Los Angeles Lakers securing home-court advantage in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, stressing that the accomplishment carries limited impact once postseason basketball begins.
“Obviously, we’re going to be able to feed off our crowd. That’s going to be great,” James said after the 101-73 win over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. “That’s great for our fans. But the game is played in between the four lines, so it doesn’t give us an advantage. It’s about what you do between the four lines.”
The Lakers improved to 52-29 while managing injuries to key rotation players throughout the season. Despite the setbacks, the team remained in contention for a top-three seed entering the final game of the regular season.
James described his recent offensive workload as a return to a familiar role within the system. “I don’t know. I mean, I did 28 high efficiency plus 10 assists, two in one. Sounds pretty cool. Sounds pretty good,” he said.
He also pointed to adaptability within the group during shifting lineup structures. “I had to tap back into a role that I’ve been accustomed to in the past… circumstances has put me back in,” James added.
On team direction, James emphasized balance and emotional control heading into the postseason. “Just I stay even keel. I think at the end of the day I never want to get too high. I never get too low,” he said.
He continued by outlining shared leadership responsibilities within the roster. “It’s a collective group effort, both on and off the court.”
Marcus Smart’s return also drew recognition from the veteran forward. “Just a winning player. He just makes winning plays,” James said, referencing multiple defensive possessions and transition sequences.
James highlighted one specific sequence involving effort plays in the third quarter. “That’s just what he does. He just makes winning plays.”
When asked about the physical demands of the schedule and long career longevity, James described commitment and endurance as central to his approach.
“Just trying to squeeze as much of the juice as I can, as dry as it can be, for me,” he said. “And I’ve been given the opportunity to play the game that I love and try to do it at a high level.”
He also acknowledged fatigue after a demanding stretch of games. “I’m tired as hell now. I can’t wait to get home. Can’t wait to get something to eat and go straight to sleep.”
James emphasized preparation and consistency as defining factors for sustaining performance deep into the season. “The game has given back to me. And when the game called for me to be in action tonight… I’m looking forward to it.”
The Lakers now enter their final regular-season matchup with playoff positioning still in flux, but already guaranteed to open the postseason at home.
