Is this it for LeBron James in the NBA? We continue to speculate on whether this is it for James. I have a feeling it might be, but what happens over the next few days might change things. After taking a 3-0 series lead against the Houston Rockets, things are becoming quite tenuous for James and the Lakers.
Even with the return of Austin Reaves, the Lakers lost their second game in a row. In prior iterations of James’ career, playing an elimination game at home would have meant a guaranteed victory. Reaves scored 22 points, along with six assists and four rebounds, but the Lakers still came up short.
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LeBron’s Solid Night—But Not Enough
While we can’t necessarily blame LeBron James for the loss, he also could have done more. In 39 minutes, James finished with:
But he shot just 9-of-20 from the field, and the impact didn’t feel like vintage LeBron. Earlier in his career, this is the type of game where he would have completely taken over and willed the Los Angeles Lakers to victory. Yes, the supporting cast is lacking—but that hasn’t stopped him before.
At this stage, James simply may not be able to carry a team through the postseason the way he once did. That’s not criticism—it’s reality. The expectation used to be dominance in moments like this. Now, it’s more about efficiency, support, and timing.
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Credit Where It’s Due: Rockets Rise to the Moment
We also can’t ignore what the Houston Rockets did.
Facing a second straight elimination game—this time on the road in Los Angeles—they showed poise and composure well beyond their years.
Even without Kevin Durant, Houston had:
All five starters in double figures
A balanced offensive attack
Control of the game’s tempo
Jabari Smith Jr. led the way with 22 points, and the Rockets now head home with serious momentum.
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant
Injuries Shift the Pressure
Durant remains sidelined—but that may not matter.
On the other side, Luka Dončić isn’t expected to return for the Lakers, which puts even more pressure squarely on James.
And that’s where things get tricky.
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A Look at the Series Numbers
Through five games, James is averaging:
Solid numbers—but not dominant ones. Game Four, in particular, raised concerns, as he shot just 2-of-9 from the field. In years past, an elimination scenario would’ve triggered a takeover performance. This time, it hasn’t.
Can LeBron Avoid Game 7?
LeBron James is still great. But he’s not the same unstoppable force we’ve seen in past postseasons. Now, the Houston Rockets head home with the edge—and the belief. And with everything on the line, one truth still remains: Anything can happen in a Game 7.
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