LeBron James Pulls No Punches on Importance of Second Half of Lakers’ Season

The Lakers star addressed the possibility of the playoffs.

LeBron James and the Lakers are looking to sneak into the playoffs after a slow first half during the 2022-23 NBA season. With Los Angeles currently 2.5 games out of a play-in spot in the Western Conference, LeBron didn't shy away from the importance of a strong second half during his All-Star Weekend media address.

At the All-Star Break, L.A. is the 13th seed in the Western Conference, sitting five games below .500 at 27-32. The Lakers star described the looming 23 games as the "most important games of my career," indicating he's hoping to avoid missing the playoffs for a second consecutive season, via Vic Lombardi of Altitude TV. 

Lebron James on the remainder of the season.

“These are 23 of the most important games of my career.”

Lakers are currently 2.5 games out of the play-in.

I feel a @Lakers-@nuggets first round series. pic.twitter.com/6pQy0esmrq

— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) February 19, 2023

The Lakers made some big moves at the NBA trade deadline, headlined by their deal to acquire D'Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley in a swap with the Timberwolves, while also offloading Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz. 

The new-look roster will look to make the most of its remaining 23 games, and they can't afford to take their foot off the gas for even a moment, trailing the 10th seeded Thunder by 2.5 games. 

James is having a dominant year, even at the age of 38, but it hasn't been enough to propel Los Angeles into a playoff seed. Lingering injuries have also forced the 19-time All-Star to miss some action. Through the Lakers’ first 59 games, James has missed 14. Still, he’s averaging 30.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists on the year.

L.A. will be put to the test early in the second half, with matchups against the Warriors, Mavericks, and Grizzlies awaiting in their first three contests after the All-Star Break.