The Eastern Conference has a busy slate on Sunday, with two Game 7s set to take place. One of them is a matchup between the Toronto Raptors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron James is thrilled that series is going all the way.
Following a successful close-out game against the Houston Rockets on Friday night, LeBron was happy to hear that his former team lost a tight matchup against the Toronto Raptors.
Knowing that the veteran RJ Barrett hit a tough shot in the final seconds to allow the Raptors to gain a late lead, James sent a thank-you message, as the win had a positive impact on the Lakers’ second-round scheduling.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 10: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena on April 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
via Lakers Nation on X: LeBron James on Game 1 against the Thunder not being until Tuesday because the East having two Game 7s on Sunday: “Thank you Toronto, Thank you RJ Barrett… I’m happy.”
The Lakers Are Moving On
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks with the media following the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
A 98-78 blowout against the struggling Rockets allowed the Lakers to go up 4-2, closing out the series.
While the Rockets gained some momentum in Games 4 and 5, LeBron James wasn’t going to let Houston force a Game 7.
The veteran superstar was teasing a triple-double in the final game. In 37 minutes of action, James produced 28 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Leading up to Game 6, James produced averages of 22.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 7.2 rebounds per game. He shot 44.2% from the field and 28.0% from three in the first-round series against the Rockets.
via Dave McMenamin on X reported: “To me he’s had the greatest career of any NBA player” – JJ Redick on LeBron James. Redick says the locker room was making goat “bahhhh” noises for James after the game
The Lakers are now gearing up for a second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Game 1 doesn’t have a tip time just yet, but it’s set to take place on Tuesday, May 5, giving the Lakers three days off before firing up the second round.