LeBron

James

James’ final game of the season was a solid one when simply glancing at the counting stats. He was one of the Lakers’ three best scorers on the evening, and he led the team in rebounds along the way before finishing his 23rd season with a double-double. James missed the first chunk of the season due to injury but eventually returned to log 60 regular-season games. His numbers declined from the 2024-25 season, and the accomplished veteran also saw a drop in fantasy production. James enters the offseason as an NBA free agent. Where he ends up next season could determine his fantasy outlook.

The veteran shooting guard put on a show in Monday’s victory, doing nearly all of his damage after halftime to help even the series at two games apiece. Mitchell had logged just four points on 1-of-8 shooting in the first half, which factored into Cleveland’s four-point deficit at that time. But he got going in the second half and followed a 21-point third period with 18 more in the final frame to bring the Cavaliers the victory. Mitchell now ranks second in Cavaliers history for most 40-point playoff games, with his four total trailing just LeBron James’s 24.

After scoring 27 and 23 points in the first two games of the series, James was limited to 19 on 19 shots in Game 3. He’s managed to keep the turnovers in check, committing eight through three games, but the Lakers’ overall struggles in that category have been costly. Oklahoma City scored 30 points off 16 Lakers turnovers in Game 3, turning a competitive game into a second-half blowout. James and the Lakers will look to avoid a sweep when they host Game 4 on Monday.

James logged 38 minutes in Game 2 and produced similar numbers to Game 1. On the evening, he was his usual efficient self as a scorer while also making some impact as a facilitator. Arguably, the four-time champion’s biggest moments came in the fourth quarter, when a series of James baskets helped the Lakers trim the Thunder’s lead to as few as five points. But L.A. ultimately ran out of answers, as OKC pulled away and secured a 2-0 series lead. James will again be one of the Lakers’ most important players in Game 3.

James logged 36 minutes on Tuesday and was by far the most productive Laker to take the floor. He only missed five total shots on the night, showcasing his touch both inside and outside the arc, while also making his usual contributions as a facilitator. The accomplished veteran didn’t get much help from his teammates on the offensive end, something that would greatly benefit the Lakers on Thursday. Whether the others get going offensively or not, James will more than likely need to put forth another strong performance in Game 2.

By far the most experienced player on the Lakers’ roster, James understood the assignment for Friday’s series clincher. He hunted his shot early, setting the tone for the Lakers to build up a large first-half lead and coast from there. The good news for James and the Lakers is that they’ll get a few days off, with the second-round series against the Thunder not starting until Tuesday. Regardless of what happens with Luka Dončić (hamstring), the Lakers will need the best version of James to have any shot at pulling off the upset.

As a team, the Lakers shot 7-of-27 from beyond the arc, with the Rockets outscoring them by 21 points on three-pointers. James was among those who struggled, as he missed all six of his attempts. A positive for the 41-year-old was that he cleaned up the turnovers, committing two after being responsible for eight each in Games 3 and 4. Getting Austin Reaves back does help with the offensive workload, even if his return did not result in a victory on Wednesday. James and the Lakers will look to end the series in Houston on Friday.

As well as James played in the first three games of this series, he struggled mightily in Game 4. The Rockets were far more effective defensively on Sunday, harassing James into eight turnovers and a 2-of-9 night from the field. LeBron and the Lakers head home for Game 5 on Wednesday, which may be enough time for Austin Reaves to return from his oblique injury. If so, that would be of immense help to James and the Lakers as they look to close out the series.

With the Lakers shorthanded to begin the playoffs, LeBron has been nothing short of excellent in the first three games. James is averaging 25.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 8.7 assists in this series. With the Lakers trailing and less than 25 seconds remaining in regulation, the 41-year-old small forward got a steal and a game-tying three-pointer. Then the Lakers stole Game 3 in overtime. They’ll have a chance to complete a sweep in Game 4 on Sunday.

James shocked everyone in the third quarter when a lane completely opened up and he took the opportunity to throw down a reverse jam. With a minute left in the fourth quarter, another dunk by James essentially sealed the game for the Lakers. In his 23rd season and at 41-years-old, he still managed to play excellent basketball for 38 minutes in each of the first two games of this series. James is now the only player in NBA history at least 40-years-old to have at least 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in a playoff games and he’s done it three times. James will keep running the show with Luka Dončić (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) still sidelined.