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LeBron James focused on composure and execution after the Los Angeles Lakers secured a 107-98 win over the Houston Rockets in Game 1 on April 18 at Crypto.com Arena.
“I mean I just think our composure,” James said. “We were going against a well coached, super high athletic team. They caused a lot of havoc.”
The veteran forward pointed to a key stretch late in the second quarter when Houston cut the deficit to two points before Los Angeles regained control.
“I think our composure even when they made a run at the end of that second to cut the lead to two,” James said. “We came out in that third quarter and were able to withstand that.”
Los Angeles shot 60.6% from the field and assisted on 29 baskets, a reflection of their offensive structure without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
“We had a great game plan and we tried to execute that as close to forty-eight as possible,” James said.
The Lakers had all five starters score in double figures, with Luke Kennard leading the way with 27 points, while James added 19 points and 13 assists.
“We don’t have a choice. It has to be that way,” James said. “It has to be a collective group.”
He added, “When you’re missing so much firepower like we are right now with AR and Luka being out, we all have to pitch in.”
James emphasized the importance of shared responsibility on both ends of the floor.
“We all have to do our job and even do it a little bit more,” he said. “Protect one another offensively and defensively and I think we did that tonight.”
Despite the win, James kept the focus on preparation ahead of Game 2.
“We just want to prepare ourselves the best way we can,” he said. “It’s just one game. We protected the home court for game one and we got to get better over the next forty-eight hours.”
He noted the team’s adaptability after preparing for a different version of Houston before Kevin Durant was ruled out.
“We understood the situation that we were going to be in,” James said. “Our demographic offensively, how we were going to play had to completely change.”
He added, “That team is still dangerous. Even more dangerous with KD obviously. But they’re still dangerous.”
James also addressed his own approach as a facilitator, finishing with 13 assists while controlling tempo.
“For me I got to do a little bit of everything,” he said. “That’s what the job requires.”
He continued, “The only thing that’s predetermined in my game is how I prepare. Once I get out there it’s just all about read and react and understanding situations.”
Following the final buzzer, James immediately shifted to adjustments.
“Right after the game ended and I got in my locker I’m already thinking about situations where we could have been better,” he said. “We have a lot of room to improve.”
James also reflected on sharing the playoff stage with his son, Bronny James.
“I was on the floor with my son in a playoff game,” he said. “That’s probably the craziest thing that’s ever happened to me in my career.”
He added, “My mom gets to watch her son and her grandson during the playoffs. That’s crazy.”
Game 2 is set for Tuesday in Los Angeles, where the Lakers will look to build on their Game 1 execution.
