He was King James. Age and logic defying in every which way. Deking the defense with his eyes before a pass. Turbocharging to the basket before a vintage slam.
Said teammate Austin Reaves: “I just went over to him and was like, you’re insane. Like, the stuff that you’re doing is not normal.”
LeBron James has a 23 season patch on his jersey to celebrate the most seasons by a player in NBA history. But he might as well have it removed for now.
Because he’s playing like he’s in Year 3, not Year 1000.
The Los Angeles Lakers, despite being picked by few, triumphed over the Houston Rockets in six games in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
In the series, the mystifying James averaged 23.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game, all while playing Mr. First Option at age 41 with his co-stars dealing with injuries.
But James now is now staring down an enormous challenge, the biggest of his career in a way.
A first round win means a trip to the second round … and a date with the NBA’s who’s who.
GettyOklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
LeBron James Gets Lowly News Ahead of Game 1 vs. OKC
It has never happened before in James’ heavily-decorated playoff career.
Never has he been a larger underdog in a playoff game. Never. Ever.
James has played some mammoth competition over his chronicled postseason career. From the Spurs with prime Tim Duncan, Manu Ginolbili and Tony Parker to the mid-to-late 2010s Warriors featuring Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and Draymond Green.
Now he is going up against the defending NBA champion in round two. A team that features last year’s and likely this year’s league MVP and a player who assembled the most efficient season by a guard in the history of the game.
Officially, James has played an all time juggernaut in the 2020s, 2010s and 2000s.
Of course, being a massive underdog doesn’t remotely mean winning the series is impossible. But considering how the defending champions have looked all season and especially in round one, it makes sense why the Lakers are predicted to get waxed in four or five games.
L.A. is still without star guard Luka Doncic indefinitely. Reaves, who returned from a nearly monthlong injury earlier this week, is still getting his legs back under him.
But the Lakers are rolling out of a round one win over the Rockets with belief they can hang with anyone.
Does L.A. Stand Any Chance?
Nearly five weeks ago, the Lakers appeared destined for a first round exit. A fast one at that.
Today, they are bound for the Western Conference semifinals with a chance to show the world they can race with the champs.
Head coach JJ Redick is hanging his hat on what his guys have proven so far despite major adversity.
“It felt bleak,” Redick said after L.A. defeated Houston in Game 6 to advance to the second round. “… For us to be written off a few weeks ago and to win a playoff series is a big deal. And it just speaks to the character of our team and the leaders of our team. They didn’t let go of the rope.”
The Lakers will have to do a lot more than refusing to let go of the rope against the Thunder.
And it will have to start with the player whom Redick believes has had the “greatest career of any NBA player.” The guy who is making 41 look like the new 31.
Game 1 in Oklahoma City tips off at 5:30 p.m on Tuesday.
LeBron James Hit With Brutal News Ahead of Lakers-Thunder Game 1