Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, Cleveland will always be home for LeBron James. He may not wear the Cavalier colors, but his 2016 conquest still lives on as the benchmark within the organization. But today, on a day the Lakers clinched their first-round series against the Rockets, James was happy to see the Cavaliers be at the end of one of the most ridiculous postseason moments.

Raptors’ RJ Barrett hit a Kawhi Leonard-esque game-winner in Toronto to force a Game 7 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The dramatic overtime three-pointer, which bounced high off the rim before dropping in, from the same end as Leonard’s 2019 miracle, tied the series at 3-3 and kept Toronto’s season alive in a series featuring multiple thrillers and East teams pushing to the brink. The shot, coming in overtime, meant the NBA would need another day to wrap up the first-round series. Three series from the East are going to a Game 7.

“Thank you, Toronto. Thank you, RJ Barrett. Appreciate it. Haven’t seen a shot in Toronto like that since Kawhi. Something about those rims… I’m happy,” LeBron James said after the Game 6 win over the Houston Rockets.

At 41, James continues to defy Father Time, recently setting the NBA record with his 22nd career series-clinching road win while expanding his all-time lead in playoff series victories.

His body needs more time to recover. And with a playoff series against the defending champions, OKC up next, it’s a necessity for the Lakers to have a fully recovered LeBron James. There are still doubts over Luka Doncic’s participation in the series.

Doncic has been sidelined since suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain around April 2, with reports indicating a slow recovery path; he is expected to miss the start of the second round even if the Lakers advance further.

Likewise, the expectation is for James to do more of what he did against the Houston Rockets.

Tonight, a game that signified absolute control. The four-time Finals MVP scored 28 points and handed out eight assists to lead the Lakers to a 98-78 win over the Kevin Durant-less Houston Rockets. James delivered a vintage all-around performance in the series-clinching victory, helping the short-handed Lakers advance 4-2.

Having played the most minutes for the Lakers, James needs to recalibrate before heading to Oklahoma.

“I can go on the golf course now. That’s what I’m thinking about,” said James.

James has openly embraced golf as a passion in 2026, frequently sharing his swing improvements and daily viewing habits, providing a mental and physical reset amid his grueling longevity.

The 22-time All-Star only has this weekend to engage in some other activity aside from basketball. But even then, James can only afford one round on the golf course. That’s knowing that meeting the Thunder means preparation matters now more than ever.

LeBron James reacts to facing the Thunder next

The Houston Rockets pushed the Lakers to the edge. JJ Redick had to finish multiple avenues to win four games. Surprisingly, the Lakers secured more possessions tonight and imposed their defense over the Rockets. But their next test stands out as the toughest.

OKC, the defending champions and Western Conference top seed for a third straight season, swept the Phoenix Suns 4-0 and boast historic net ratings along with exceptional depth.

OKC was the only team that managed to remain unscathed in the playoffs, and they played several games with Jalen Williams.

So, although the Lakers got a few more days of rest, they need to make the most of it.

“I mean, it’s the defending champions, so I mean, we’ll tap into the details and things of that nature over the next few days, we have Sunday, Monday, and partly a Tuesday before game one, but it’s the defending champion. So, it’s a tall task, man. I understand that,” James said about their second-round matchup.

The Oklahoma City Thunder finished on top of the Western Conference in back-to-back seasons and dominated the Lakers in the regular season, including a 36-point blowout on the night Luka Doncic was injured and additional wins that contributed to the Lakers’ 0-5 skid against them.

So, everything needs to be planned and worked out before the series. The break, which the Raptors did extend, allows Redick to study the Thunder and find areas where the Lakers could gain an edge.

With key contributors like Luke Kennard providing hot shooting and the team showing defensive resolve in the closeout, Redick’s adjustments have been pivotal in navigating injuries.

But beating OKC requires more than just strategy. At the very least, they need LeBron James to be on his A-game until Luka Doncic can return.

There’s time to unwind and rest, but the Lakers can’t relax.