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LeBron James reveals Lakers’ mindset before Game 6 'complete' win originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
For the first time in his career, LeBron James was pushed despite being up 3-0 in a playoff series. After winning back-to-back in Games 4 and 5, the Houston Rockets threatened to become only the fifth team in NBA playoff history to erase a 3-0 deficit and force Game 7.
It was not only about the Lakers after the Rockets dismantled LeBron & Co. despite no Kevin Durant in those consecutive games. The four-time NBA champion's legacy was at stake entering Game 6 in Houston.
The all-time NBA points leader delivered once again. He led the team in the landslide 20-point (98-78) victory with a game-high 28 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists.
In the latest Mind the Game podcast, the 2020 Lakers champion revealed the mindset the team carried while entering Game 6. In all the previous games, LeBron felt a "complete" game performance didn't come as well as it did in the series-sealing win.
“For me, you know, as a leader of the team, I felt like it was about what team can kind of just hold their composure, stay even-keeled, and understand the assignment," LeBron said. "That was kind of my whole mindset going into Game 6, breathe, breathe, instill confidence into my guys, and help them understand, like, listen, we’re here for a reason, and we can close this thing out if we just limit our mistakes, both offensively and defensively. And that was one of the first times in the whole series that we finally put together a complete game.”
LeBron James checks in after the Lakers’ Round 1 win
Tap in with the guys as they break down LAL vs. HOU, all the key moments, role players, how he’s sustaining this at 41, and what’s ahead vs. OKC. Watch now: https://t.co/VkCMcbfPO5
— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) May 5, 2026
MORE:‘The mission… stayed the same,’ LeBron James ahead of the playoff round two push
LeBron James right about 'complete' Game 6 performance by Lakers
The Lakers probably checked many performances in that Game 6 win.
Apart from LeBron James, they got Austin Reaves doing what he does best in his second game back. The Lakers guard scored 15 points on 50 percent shooting from the field. He also had three blocks.
Off the bench, Jaxson Hayes offered really good minutes, finishing the game with +21 (+/-) rating. Rui Hachimura shot efficiently for his 21 points, most of which came while shooting 5-of-7 from deep.
This type of output from everyone is healthy for the unit, especially before the Lakers take on defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder in the next Western Conference playoff round.
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LeBron James has fun with how he is managing to stand out despite being a 41-year-old
Lakers blowout Rockets in Game 6, advance to face Thunder in NBA Playoffs
How many points LeBron James scored tonight? Lakers star stats vs Rockets in Game 6
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