LeBron James expressed happiness over the Cavaliers' playoff loss to the Raptors, citing RJ Barrett's game-winning shot as a memorable moment. He appreciated the excitement of the series, which is heading to a Game 7.
Key points
LeBron James is happy about the Cavaliers' playoff loss.
RJ Barrett hit a game-winning shot for the Raptors.
The Cavaliers and Raptors series is going to a Game 7.
LeBron referenced Kawhi Leonard's iconic shot in Toronto.
The Lakers clinched their first-round series against the Rockets.
Mentioned in this story
LeBron James
Cleveland CavaliersToronto RaptorsLos Angeles LakersHouston Rockets
Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, Cleveland will always be home for LeBron James. He may not wear the Cavalier colors, but his 2016 conquest still lives on as the benchmark within the organization. But today, on a day the Lakers clinched their first-round series against the Rockets, James was happy to see the Cavaliers be at the end of one of the most ridiculous postseason moments.
Raptorsâ RJ Barrett hit a Kawhi Leonard-esque game-winner in Toronto to force a Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The shot, coming in overtime, meant the NBA would need another day to wrap up the first-round series. Three series from the East are going to a Game 7.
At 41, Jamesâ body needs more time to recover. And with a playoff series against the defending champions, OKC up next, itâs a necessity for the Lakers to have a fully recovered LeBron James. There are still doubts over âs participation in the series. Likewise, the expectation is for James to do more of what he did against the Houston Rockets.
Q&A
Why is LeBron James happy about the Cavaliers' playoff loss to the Raptors?
LeBron James is happy because RJ Barrett hit a memorable game-winning shot, reminiscent of Kawhi Leonard's iconic moment in Toronto.
What did RJ Barrett do in the game against the Cavaliers?
RJ Barrett hit a game-winning shot in overtime, forcing a Game 7 in the playoff series against the Cavaliers.
What does LeBron James think about RJ Barrett's performance?
LeBron James appreciated RJ Barrett's performance, stating he hasn't seen a shot like that in Toronto since Kawhi Leonard.
What are the implications of the Cavaliers vs. Raptors series going to Game 7?
The series going to Game 7 means that the outcome will be decided in a final match, heightening the stakes for both teams.
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Apr 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots against Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) during the first half in game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Apr 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots against Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) during the first half in game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Tonight, a game that signified absolute control. The four-time Finals MVP scored 28 points and handed out eight assists to lead the Lakers to a 98-78 win over the Kevin Durant-less Houston Rockets. Having played the most minutes for the Lakers, James needs to recalibrate before heading to Oklahoma.
âI can go on the golf course now. Thatâs what Iâm thinking about,â said James.
The 22-time All-Star only has this weekend to engage in some other activity aside from basketball. But even then, James can only afford one round on the golf course. Thatâs knowing that meeting the Thunder means preparation matters now more than ever.
LeBron James reacts to facing the Thunder next
The Houston Rockets pushed the Lakers to the edge. JJ Redick had to finish multiple avenues to win four games. Surprisingly, the Lakers secured more possessions tonight and imposed their defense over the Rockets. But their next test stands out as the toughest. OKC was the only team that managed to remain unscathed in the playoffs, and they played several games with Jalen Williams.
So, although the Lakers got a few more days of rest, they need to make it count.
âI mean, itâs the defending champions, so I mean weâll tap into the details and things of that nature over the next few days, we have Sunday, Monday, and partly a Tuesday before game one, but itâs the defending champion. So, itâs a tall task, man. I understand that,â James said about their second-round matchup.
The Oklahoma City Thunder finished on top of the Western Conference for a third straight season. Laker Nation might still remember their final game against OKC in the regular season. Aside from it being the night they lost Luka Doncic, the Thunder dominated them, winning by 36 points. The Lakers havenât registered a single win in their last five games against OKC.
So, everything needs to be planned and worked out before the series. The break, which the Raptors did extend, allows Redick to study the Thunder and find areas where the Lakers could gain an edge. But winning against OKC needs more than just strategy. At the very least, they need LeBron James to be on his A-game until Luka Doncic can return.
Thereâs time to unwind and rest, but the Lakers canât relax.
