LeBron James is the GOAT. What we just witnessed vs. Rockets was stunning

Q: What were LeBron James' stats in the playoff series against the Rockets?

LeBron James averaged 23.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8.3 assists over 38.5 minutes per game in the series.

Q: How did the Lakers perform in the playoff series against the Rockets?

The Lakers won the series 4-2, with LeBron James leading the team despite the absence of key players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Q: What significant milestone did LeBron James achieve in this playoff series?

LeBron James became the first NBA player to play in his 23rd season and led a depleted Lakers team to a playoff series victory.

Q: What did Lakers coach JJ Redick say about LeBron James' career?

Lakers coach JJ Redick stated that LeBron James has had the greatest career of any NBA player.

HOUSTON — LeBron James sat by his locker, alternating between being introspective and funny. He allowed himself to take things in, saying he was “living in the moment a lot more.”

The Lakers’ LeBron James led a depleted team to a 4-2 series victory over the Rockets on Friday in Houston. Getty Images He joked about his son, Bronny, bearing an uncanny resemblance to NFL player Will Anderson Jr., calling him “my fourth child.” Nothing stood out about the moment. Except everything. What just happened was monumental. The 41-year-old James had just led a depleted Lakers team without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves (for all but two games) past the Rockets in their first-round playoff series, winning Game 6 in Houston on Friday, 98-78. This was no ordinary first-round win for James, who has carried 10 NBA teams to the Finals, winning four championships. This was one of the most stunning accomplishments of his career. This was one of the most stunning accomplishments of his career. Getty Images It’s time to stop questioning whether James is the greatest player of all time. Six games before the regular season ended, Doncic suffered a hamstring strain and Reaves sustained an oblique strain in the same game April 2, deflating the Lakers like a nail in a tire. They were counted out in the playoffs. this team past the Rockets, not at this stage of his career. He’s the first NBA player to play in his 23rd season. He was too old to put a bunch of role players on his back and pull off a miracle. Even in his prime, that would’ve been a huge ask. The thing is, James is used to being told what he can’t do. He thrives off proving people wrong. That’s his drug, his fix. He has been under the brightest of spotlights since he was in middle school. When he entered the NBA as an 18-year-old, he had the highest expectation of any prospect ever. Everyone was waiting for him to fail. James sprinted past the pressure, shattering every ceiling. He’s the league’s all-time leading scorer, he has the most All-Star selections (22) and has played the most minutes. The thing is, James is used to being told what he can’t do. Getty Images But still, no one believed James could do *this*. Lead a Lakers team without its top-two scorers, who left behind a 60-point hole? At his age? No chance. No way. When are we going to stop doubting him? James responded by averaging 23.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 8.3 assists over 38.5 minutes per game. Those are stunning numbers for anyone but unheard-of numbers for a 41-year-old playing against younger guys. He carried the team to a 3-0 series lead. James averaged more than 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists over close to 39 minutes per game in the series. Getty Images Then after the Rockets won two straight games, stealing the series momentum, James catapulted the Lakers to a second-round date with the reigning champion Thunder. Said Austin Reaves: “I just went over to him and was like, ‘You’re insane.’ The stuff that you’re doing is not normal.” Added Lakers coach : “To me, he’s had the greatest career of any NBA player.” The oldest NBA player in the league was the best player in the series. In Game 1, he unraveled the Rockets with his passing, finishing with 19 points and 13 assists. In Game 2, he led all scorers with 28 points. In Game 3, he made a game-tying 3-pointer that forced overtime, and he went on to play 45 minutes. In Game 5, he orchestrated an 11-1 fourth-quarter run, cutting the Lakers’ 13-point deficit to three points and giving them a chance to win. In Game 6, he was everywhere, doing everything, finishing with game highs in points (28) and assists (eight), as well as grabbing seven rebounds. He had the highest plus-minus (+26) of anyone on the court. James didn’t just perform. He shined. He stunned.