Many were quick to predict a first-round playoff exit for the Los Angeles Lakers after injuries to Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić, but LeBron James has flipped that narrative entirely. Now in Year 23, the 41-year-old is once again proving he is capable of doing anything, leading the Lakers to a 2–0 series lead over the Houston Rockets.
His control over the game has been so dominant that even two-time All-Star Isaiah Thomas is marveling at how James continues to redefine longevity and greatness on the biggest stage.
Isaiah Thomas in Awe of LeBron’s Dominance at 41
The Lakers were firing on all cylinders prior to Dončić suffering a Grade 2 left hamstring strain and Reaves sustaining a Grade 2 left oblique strain on April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The devastating setbacks, which came amid a 139-96 blowout road loss, sidelined the stars for the final five regular-season games and the start of the playoffs.
As a result, the fourth-seeded Lakers (53-29) entered Round 1 as a heavy underdog against the fifth-seeded Kevin Durant-led Rockets (52-30), with many concerned about their lack of shot creation.
However, the Lakers have dug in defensively, with James settling back into a versatile playmaking role after previously taking a back seat offensively to Dončić and Reaves.
The 22-time All-Star has delivered vintage performances through two postseason outings, including a historic 28-point performance in Tuesday’s 101-94 Game 2 home win. His play has fueled the belief that Los Angeles can defy expectations and advance, with Thomas noting that it only reinforces the idea that James is still capable of doing anything he sets his mind to.
“LeBron is capable of doing anything he puts his mind to,” Thomas said. “He takes care of his body the best, and it’s playoff time, so it’s playoff LeBron. The game is slowing down, he’s able to control each possession, and he’s doing it at the highest level. He’s probably still the smartest player in the game right now. So, he’s dominating the Rockets with his mind first, and then his physical skills come in second.”
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During the regular season, James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists across 60 games while sharing offensive duties with Dončić and Reaves. In the playoffs, however, he has elevated his game.
In Game 1, James recorded 19 points and 13 assists, along with eight rebounds, two steals, and a block in a 107–98 win. He followed that up with a vintage Game 2 performance, posting 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, marking the most points ever scored in the postseason by a player after turning 41.
However, while the Lakers have managed to thrive against a Houston team lacking a true floor general, their outlook will depend on the return of Dončić and Reaves. With a potential second-round matchup against the top-seeded Thunder looming, Los Angeles may need its full roster to sustain this run.