The Los Angeles Lakers lost Game 5 to the Houston Rockets on their home floor, and LeBron James wasn’t going to compound that defeat by giving the opposition any bulletin board material. He steered clear of a question about Jabari Smith Jr. saying Houston was the better in his postgame presser. Fans can read LeBron’s response below.
“I don’t care about s*** like that, bro. The game is won in between the four lines. I don’t give a d***. Who cares. Of course, you’d say it. Why would you say, 'Oh no, we’re not the better team?' Ask one of the young guys that question. I am too old for that s***.”
The 41-year-old wasn’t falling into that trap. He’s been through the playoff wars too many times. King James knows a viral quote could fire up the Rockets and give them even more juice for Game 6 in Houston. He wisely avoided the bait as the Lakers look to close out this series.
LeBron James wasn’t giving the Rockets any added motivation after Game 5
The Lakers won the first three games of this series without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Nobody thought LA would advance coming in, but LeBron James has them on the brink. His role in the Game 3 comeback had fans ready to re-sign him on the spot. It looked like the purple and gold would cruise to the second round, but the Rockets had other ideas.
King James struggled in Game 4 as the Lakers were blown out. It had everyone thinking they would come home and finish this off. James finished with 25 points, seven assists, and two steals in 39 minutes on Wednesday night. He did everything he could, but cold shooting and anemic offense sank LA.
Luka Kennard disastrously scored just one point in Game 5. Combined with LeBron, the key duo failed to make a 3-point attempt in eight tries. That was a key reason the Lakers finished seven of 27 from long range, and the Rockets had a 21-point edge from distance.
Los Angeles refused to call out the other team or complain after the loss. They know they are still in control of this series. It is on the Lakers to go to Houston and finish this off on Friday night. They don’t want to head back to LA for Game 7 on Sunday.
James refused to take the bait. He could have said Jabari Smith Jr. was wrong, or the Lakers are the better team, but that would have given the Rockets a reason to keep talking. Instead, the GOAT just shut it down. He is too old to get into a media war in the middle of the series. LeBron just wants to win and move on.
The Los Angeles Lakers have a job to do. LeBron James will be leading the way as they look to close out this series and book their matchup against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. It gives them a shot to get Luka Doncic back and make a serious run at a ring. LA will be ready, so don’t miss it.
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