LeBron James Embraces 'Small Victories' As Lakers Eliminate Rockets In Game 6

I think me personally, the accepting and trying to be OK with the small victories comes with where I am in my career. Understanding, s---, who knows how many more playoff series I'm going to be a part of? If I play one more or two more or three more seasons, that doesn't guarantee me to be in the postseason. So just trying to appreciate the moments, whatever it is, and however long I'm playing. It's pretty cool to have the opportunity to lead a team, at 41 years old, into the playoffs and for us to be able to win it. James entered the season in a reduced offensive role behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. When both players were injured April 2 against Oklahoma City, he stepped back into the primary option and guided Los Angeles through the first round. I mean, to be able to experience something [new], it was just totally different for me, James told ESPN. In March, it was a totally different role for me. It was super uncomfortable, but comfortable. I had to get into that. But it was also winning. That's all I care about. But I knew at the same time I could give more. But maybe giving more wasn't what was a fit for our team. And I accepted that and I was OK with that. Not from a team aspect, I was OK with that. I was able to put my ego to the side for the betterment of the team, understanding that I could do it. Defensively, Los Angeles held Houston to 35 shooting. Deandre Ayton guarded Alperen Sengun individually after the Rockets exploited double-teams in Game 5, limiting Sengun to one assist in the closeout game. I took the challenge to my chin, Ayton said. Just putting the team on my back and them trusting me. ... That's what really got everything going, to be honest. Rui Hachimura added 21 points on 5-of-7 three-point shooting. Reaves contributed 15 points in just his second game back after missing four weeks with a left oblique injury. Los Angeles committed just 11 turnovers, their fewest of the series. The Lakers now face defending champion Oklahoma City, which swept Los Angeles by an average of 29.3 points in four regular season meetings. Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday with the Thunder favored by 14.5 points over the Lakers.