on Tuesday night, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers played the Orlando Magic (at home) in California.
The Lakers lost a close one (110-109).
James finished the loss with 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks while shooting 8/13 from the field and 2/6 from three-point range in 32 minutes of playing time.
Los Angeles Lakers Star LeBron James Makes Admission
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 30: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on January 30, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
After the game, James made an intriguing statement when he met with the media (via Jovan Buha).
Reporter: “How would you assess where this team is at and the growth that you guys have had over the past three weeks?”
James: “I don’t know… I didn’t even know what today was when I woke up. You’re asking me about the last three weeks… I’m the wrong guy to ask, champ.”
Ryan Ward
LeBron James on his assessment of Lakers’ growth over the past three weeks: “I don’t know. I didn’t even know what today was when I woke up. You asked me about the last three weeks. I’m the wrong guy to ask, champ.”
James was followed up by another reporter asking if the schedule in the second half of the year is why he said what he said.
He added: “Games is bang, bang, bang, bang. You don’t have much time to really think.”
While it makes sense, fans will likely look into anything James says over the next few months due to his impending free agency this summer.
At 41, he is still among the best 25 players in the NBA.
James has averages of 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 49.9% from the field and 30.4% from three-point range in 39 games.
The future Hall of Famer is in his eighth season playing for Los Angeles.
Underdog NBA wrote: “Lakers this season (low leverage removed)… With Luka/LeBron/Reaves on: 110.6 offensive rating 118.5 defensive rating -7.8 net rating With Luka/Reaves on, LeBron off: 126.4 offensive rating 108.5 defensive rating +17.9 net rating h/t @databallr”
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of their game against the Boston Celtics at Crypto.com Arena on February 22, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)
The Lakers are the sixth seed in the Western Conference with a 34-23 record in 57 games.
They are in the middle of a two-game losing streak.
On Thursday evening, the Lakers will resume play when they visit the Phoenix Suns in Arizona.
Trevor Lane of Lakers Nation added an important note: “Lakers were +4.6 per 100 with LeBron, Austin, and Luka on the floor last night. The most important thing for them to reach their ceiling is getting the 3 of them to be a net positive.”
Trevor Lane
Lakers were +4.6 per 100 with LeBron, Austin, and Luka on the floor last night. The most important thing for them to reach their ceiling is getting the 3 of them to be a net positive.
James was the first pick (out of high school) in the 2003 NBA Draft.
Over 23 seasons, the four-time NBA Champion has played for the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers (twice) and Lakers.
During the 2020 season, James led the Lakers to the title over the Heat.
The Lakers were led (in Tuesday’s loss) by All-Star forward Luka Doncic.
He finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, 15 assists and one block while shooting 8/24 from the field and 2/10 from three-point range in 38 minutes of playing time.