LeBron James Sets Sights on Playoffs for Los Angeles Lakers

• Sports

LeBron James has been in the NBA for over two decades and has seen almost everything the league has to offer. Yet, James is taking nothing for granted and is looking to lead his team, the Los Angeles Lakers, back to the postseason.

As James puts it, "It's 23 of the most important games of my career, for a regular season."

A Personal Challenge

James has had an incredible career. He has won four NBA championships and is the all-time leading scorer in the league.

However, his passion for winning has not diminished. After the Lakers failed to make the playoffs last year, James is making a personal challenge to lead the team back to the postseason. "I don't want to see myself not being part of the postseason for two years straight.

It's just not part of my DNA," he said, via ESPN.

Confident in His Team

While James is aware of the uphill battle his team faces, he is confident that the Lakers can compete with any team in the league if they make it to the postseason.

He stated, "I've always been confident in any club that I've been on once we got into the playoffs that we can compete with anyone, and I feel no different now."

Inconsistency and Injuries

The Lakers have had an inconsistent season so far, with a 27-32 record heading into the All-Star break.

James has missed 14 games due to injury, including a recent three-game stretch because of left foot and ankle pain. Nevertheless, James is determined to play as much as possible down the stretch. "I hope I can figure out a way to just make sure that I'm available on the floor every single night for these 23 games to give us a chance," he said.

A New Group

James is excited about the Lakers' new faces, which include D'Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Malik Beasley, Mo Bamba, and Davon Reed. James joined them in the team's win against the New Orleans Pelicans before the break, and the Lakers clicked from the start.

"I love what we were able to accomplish the other day," James said.

Looking Ahead

James and the Lakers are not taking their pursuit of a playoff spot lightly. "It's going to take a lot of commitment, which is OK," James said.

"That's what it should be about. We're professionals. What else do we have to do?" As James and the Lakers look ahead to the final stretch of the regular season, their focus is squarely on returning to the postseason and making a deep run.

In the meantime, James suffered a right hand contusion in the All-Star Game but was able to finish with 13 points and four assists. The Lakers will play their next game against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday.