LeBron James credits teammates for Lakers' win in NBA Play-In Tournament

LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 103-100 win over the Golden State Warriors in the NBA's play-in tournament. Despite scoring only 22 points, James played an instrumental role in the victory, setting up his teammates with 10 assists and grabbing 11 rebounds. He gave credit to his teammates for stepping up and making big plays down the stretch. James also praised the Lakers' bench, which contributed 30 points, saying they were a "big reason why we won." He singled out Talen Horton-Tucker, who hit a clutch three-pointer late in the game, as a player who "wasn't afraid of the moment." James also credited the Lakers' defensive effort, which held the Warriors to just 38% shooting from the field.

• LeBron James, after the Lakers' Game 1 win against the Phoenix Suns, praised his teammates for their performance and support.
• He credited the team's supporting cast for stepping up and making big plays, especially in the absence of injured superstar Anthony Davis.
• James highlighted the contributions of players like Alex Caruso, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Dennis Schroder, who combined for 44 points in the game.
• He also praised the team's defense, which held the Suns to just 90 points and forced 15 turnovers.
• James acknowledged the challenge of playing without Davis but expressed confidence in the team's ability to adapt and perform well.
• He emphasized the importance of maintaining a team-first mentality and continuing to play together as a unit.
• James credited the coaching staff for their game plan and preparation, as well as the team's front office for assembling a strong roster.
• The article notes that James' comments reflect his leadership style and his ability to motivate and empower his teammates.

The win secured the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs for the Lakers, who will face the second-seeded Phoenix Suns in the first round. James acknowledged that the Lakers had a tough road ahead but expressed confidence in his team's ability to rise to the challenge. He said, "We know we're capable of being great, and we just got to continue to trust the process, continue to trust one another, and just play Laker basketball."

Overall, James' comments highlighted the importance of teamwork and trust in achieving success in basketball. He recognized the contributions of his teammates and the collective effort required to win games. As the Lakers move into the playoffs, they will need to continue to rely on each other and play with intensity and focus to advance deep into the postseason.

Reference: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/36210574/lebron-james-credits-lakers-supporting-cast-game-1-win