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LeBron James is embracing old responsibilities as the current top star of the Los Angeles Lakers following injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
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Los Angeles finds itself in a vulnerable spot going into the playoffs. They secured a postseason berth for the fourth consecutive year but see significant challenges heading their way. Doncic and Reaves will both be on the sidelines as they are dealing with injuries that will have them miss multiple weeks.
James reflected on all the leadership duties falling back on him while conversing with reporters on Saturday. Even at age 41 while nearing the completion of Year 23, he is accepting of his old role given the current circumstances of the squad.
“Sounds pretty cool. Sounds pretty good. I would [have] loved to get that 3-0 nod though. But just trying to make plays, I had to tap back into a role that I’ve been accustomed to in the past, but obviously it wasn’t what it was this year. But circumstances have put me back in, and I’m just trying to feed up my teammates, teammates feeding off of me and just trying to make things happen for us to stay afloat,” James said.
What lies ahead for LeBron James, Lakers
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
LeBron James will have to turn back the clock throughout the playoffs to give the Lakers a solid chance.
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James missed the start of the campaign due to sciatica, but slowly returned to a solid star form to close out the regular season. He is averaging 21 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds per game throughout 59 appearances as the team nears the end of the campaign.
Los Angeles has a 52-29 record on the season, holding the fourth spot in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Houston Rockets and the Minnesota Timberwolves while trailing the Denver Nuggets and the San Antonio Spurs.
The Lakers will prepare for their regular-season finale before preparing for playoff basketball. They host the Utah Jazz as tip-off will take place on April 12 at 8:30 p.m.
Related: Kendrick Perkins sounds off with ‘first-round exit’ Lakers playoff prediction
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