LeBron James’ 28-Point Game Leads Lakers to Crucial Game 6 Victory

TL;DR

LeBron James scored 28 points, leading the Lakers to a 98-78 victory over the Rockets in Game 6, clinching the series. This win comes after concerns about the Lakers potentially losing a 3-0 lead.

Key points

LeBron James scored 28 points
Lakers won 98-78 against the Rockets
Lakers clinched the series in Game 6
Concerns about losing a 3-0 lead were addressed
Coach JJ Redick praised the team's character

Mentioned in this story

JJ Redick

Los Angeles LakersHouston RocketsLeBron James

Before Game 6 of the first-round series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets on Friday, some people said the Lakers’ blowing a 3-0 series lead to the Rockets would negatively impact LeBron James’ legacy.

“If you think for one second that that’s not going to be held against his legacy, surrendering a 3-0 lead, y’all got your head in the sand,” NBA insider Stephen A. Smith said on his YouTube channel on Friday.

The Lakers ultimately pulled off a 98-78 win against the Rockets at the Toyota Center to clinch the series.

“For us to be written off a few weeks ago and to win a playoff series is a big deal,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said, per ESPN, after Friday’s game. “And it’s just speaks to the character of our team and the leaders of our team. They didn’t let go of the rope.”

James Led the Lakers to Victory

Despite the added pressure placed on him by insiders like Smith, 41-year-old James led the Lakers to victory with 28 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in 37 minutes.

Redick told reporters after the game that James’ teammates were calling him the “GOAT” for his performance.

“Literally every single guy was going, ‘baahhhh, baahhhh,'” Redick said, per ESPN. “I mean, it speaks to his greatness. To me, he’s had the greatest career of any NBA player.”