LeBron James, Lakers Not Completely In ‘Playoff Mode’ Yet
LeBron James, Lakers
Ashley Landis-Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports

When LeBron James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers during the summer of 2018, many around the NBA expected an immediate return to glory for the 16-time champions. The inaugural year of the James-led Lakers didn’t go according to plan, however.

The front office flipped the switch ahead of the James’ second season in L.A., going all-in by parting with Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and multiple draft picks in a trade to acquire Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans.

The franchise hasn’t made a postseason appearance since 2013 but is less than one week out from making their return, as the top seed in the Western Conference. The Lakers last were the No. 1 team in West during the 2009-10 season.

The Lakers are yet to learn their opponent for the first round, and James, a 17-year veteran and three-time champion, said that’s a factor in the team not being in ‘playoff mode.’

“There’s a different type of preparation that goes into a playoff game. You spend hours and hours on teams, because you know you’re going to be locked in with them at least for four games,” James explained.

“Throughout a regular season or these eight games, you really have maybe a day, maybe not even a full day, to lock in on a team and then you start preparing for the next team. Me personally, as far as mentally, I’m not in playoff mode. Physically, I’m getting there.

“I feel like my legs have gotten better and better, my game has improved more and more, I’m getting more and more comfortable with the bubble. But as far as the mental side of it, I’m not there and our team isn’t. But we will be.

“It’s a different type of mindset you have to be in, but you don’t want to jump into before you actually get there because it takes a lot of energy and effort.”

Although James noted the Lakers haven’t fully shifted to a playoff mentality, he is confident the team is already prepared in some regard. “Once we know who we’re playing, you start to lock in on your opponent,” he added.

“But you build good habits along the way, and we have good habits. So we are ready for the playoffs. If the playoffs started [Tuesday], we’d be ready for it. As far as the mental side, you can’t really lock in on your opponent until you know your opponent, so there’s another level to playoff basketball.

“We’ve worked our habits throughout the whole season, and we’ve prepared ourselves for the playoffs. We’ll be ready for it when it comes.”

James gearing up for playoff return

When the NBA suspended operation on March 11, James’ body had to take a step back and eventually cooled down during a four-month layoff. Especially for older players, obtaining a rhythm takes time.

“It’s like I’m restarting the engine,” James recently said. “My body was wondering what was going on because I was right there with my body starting to get to fifth, sixth, and seventh gear for the playoffs. And then it was just complete shutdown. I’m kind of just getting my body back up.”

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Lakers Injury Report: LeBron James Questionable Against Warriors; Cam Reddish Out

The Los Angeles Lakers have listed LeBron James (left ankle peroneal tendinopathy) as questionable…

NBA Adds New ‘Rivalry Week’ To 2022-23 Schedule With Lakers Playing Clippers & Celtics

Can you feel it? With the full release of the NBA schedule on Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers are inching closer and closer…

Lakers News: After Surpassing Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron James Donating Game Ball And Uniform To I Promise School

LeBron James moved into fifth on the NBA all-time scoring list, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain, en route to a Los Angeles Lakers victory over the Portland Trail Blazers…

Heat President Pat Riley Clarifies ‘Asterisk’ For Lakers’ Title

From the moment the 2019-20 NBA season resumed in the Orlando bubble, basketball fans and analysts…