The Los Angeles Lakers have played four games in the NBA Playoffs, and they have a 3-1 series lead over the Houston Rockets in the first round to show for it. Old man LeBron James still has it, even if the seasoned star finally showed his age in Game 4. That should not happen again.
James looked disappointing in Game 4, yes. The Lakers lost a one-sided 115-96 contest to the Rockets on Sunday night. LeBron did his team no favors in that one. The future Hall of Famer finished with only 10 points, shooting 2-of-9 from the field, nine assists, and eight (!) turnovers.
It was James' first major letdown since taking over duties as the leading man in Los Angeles again. LeBron knew it too, taking full responsibility for his poor performance after Game 4 was over.
The good news for Lakers fans everywhere is there has been a common theme from Games 1-3 that will come back around for Game 5 — rest. Los Angeles got plenty of time off between the end of the regular season and Game 1. They also got two days off before each of Game 2 and Game 3.
James' worst game perfectly aligned with the only time there was a quick turnaround in the series. It just so happens that will not be the case before Game 5.
LeBron James has what he needs to wrap up Lakers-Rockets series in Game 5
Asking so much of LeBron at 41 years old is not fair, and is far from ideal. James should not be tasked with carrying a team in a series anymore, but he has, and he's mostly done a great job with that through four playoff games.
Game 1 was a playmaking masterclass in which the Lakers star got his entire offense going and flowing. Game 2 was an all-around performance that brought back memories of vintage LeBron. Game 3 featured an improbable game-tying 3-point make to aid in an incredible comeback.
Game 4 has been the only dud for James.
Game 5 being on Wednesday will give LeBron time to lick his wounds, crack that old back, and put on the backpack again. That is, what Lakers fans will hope, at least.
James' job could be made a lot easier if Austin Reaves finally returns to the lineup after being a gametime decision for two games in a row and missing both. Regardless of that, LeBron has proven capable of getting it done with who is there now. Game 5 should be a return to that pattern.
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