The Los Angeles Lakers secured a crucial 134-127 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night, but it wasn’t just the scoreline that caught attention—it was LeBron James’ fiery leadership during a tense fourth-quarter timeout. Lakers guard Austin Reaves, who played a pivotal role in the victory, expressed his admiration for James’ vocal display, calling it a refreshing and motivating moment for the team.
With the Lakers facing a potential collapse after surrendering a 20-point lead, James took matters into his own hands during a timeout. The 40-year-old superstar, known for his calm demeanor, broke character and passionately yelled at his teammates, urging them to refocus and lock in for the final stretch. The emotional display seemed to resonate with the team, as they responded with a 27-16 run to close out the game.
Reaves, who finished the night with an impressive 31 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, spoke about the incident during his postgame interview.
“It’s the first time I’ve heard him yell in a while,” Reaves said. “It was refreshing, to be honest. I don’t remember exactly what he said, but it just shows how much he cares. His attention to detail is probably the standard. If all of us can lock into that every single possession, you can create something special.”
The stakes were high for the Lakers heading into the game, as both teams were tied for the fourth seed in the Western Conference standings. James reportedly set the tone before tip-off, telling his teammates to treat the matchup as a must-win. His leadership, both on and off the court, proved instrumental in the Lakers’ victory, which not only improved their record to 45-29 but also gave them the tiebreaker advantage over the Grizzlies.
James finished the game with 25 points, six rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and one block, showcasing his ability to lead by example. While it wasn’t a perfect performance, it was his best since returning from a groin injury, signaling that he’s regaining his form just in time for the playoffs.
Reaves’ praise for James highlights the strong bond between the two players, who have developed a close partnership on the court. The 26-year-old guard has emerged as one of the Lakers’ most reliable contributors this season, earning recognition as one of the best third options in the league. His ability to step up in critical moments has been a key factor in the team’s success.
