LeBron James says one key trait will define Lakers’ success despite strong start

The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to a flying start in the 2025–26 NBA season, posting a 13-4 record and sitting second in the Western Conference. What makes their strong start even more impressive is that it came without superstar LeBron James, who missed the early stretch of the season due to a sciatica-related injury. The four-time MVP has since returned, appearing in the Lakers’ last three outings, but is still working to regain peak form.

In LeBron’s absence, the team has been powered by the exceptional play of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, who have shouldered much of the scoring load and kept the Lakers among the West’s elite.

The momentum continued into the NBA Cup, where the Lakers downed hometown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, 135-118 at home on Wednesday, November 26 (Philippine Standard Time). Luka Dončić led the charge with a spectacular 43 points, nine rebounds, and 13 assists on 14-of-28 shooting, helping the Lakers improve to 3-0 and secure the top spot in West Group B.

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While the Lakers cruised to a 17-point win, defensive concerns remain. The Clippers scored 66 points in the first half and shot 51.9 percent from the field for the game, highlighting areas the team still needs to improve.

LeBron James addressed the team’s defensive focus after the game, emphasizing that their success will depend on consistent stops.

Since LeBron’s return, the Lakers’ offense has skyrocketed 🔥

• Points per game increased from 116.3 to 127.6 (+11.3 PPG)
• Record: 3–0
• Ranked 2nd in offensive rating
• Ranked 7th in net rating

The Lakers are looking scary already and LeBron isn’t even at 100%. pic.twitter.com/5JZVRXUWel

— Hoops (@Hoopss) November 26, 2025

“You just said it: defensively. In order for us to be as great as we want to be, we have got to defend. We have got to get multiple stops in a row. We know what we can do offensively but defensively is going to be our staple and we showcased that in the fourth,” James said.

The Lakers currently rank 16th in defensive rating, signaling that improving on that end will be key. Despite the strong start, LeBron shut down any early talk of an NBA Finals appearance, stressing that the team must continue to build habits and focus on process over predictions.

“I know it’s too early. Obviously, we got to continue to work on our habits, continue to build our habits. But getting to the Finals is talent. You have to have it, but you have to have some of the intangibles as well. You have a lot of grit, a lot of perseverance, and it’s hard every time you go out there, understanding the job at hand.

“So that is our aspiration, that’s our long-term goal. But right now, we got to continue to build our days, and continue to not. We don’t want to take any step backwards, even if it’s in a loss. We don’t want to take no steps backwards in the progress, in the process of what we want to accomplish. So, we are going to get started right now,” he concluded.

The 40-year-old James logged 32 minutes, delivering an efficient all-around performance with 25 points, six rebounds, six assists, a steal, and a block on 9-of-15 shooting—showing that he remains a significant force even as he works back to full strength.

The victory not only solidified the Lakers’ lead in West Group B but also secured their qualification for the knockout round of the NBA Cup. The team will close out the group stage against the Dallas Mavericks at home on Saturday, November 29 (Philippine Standard Time).

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