LeBron James feeling like a young kid again with playoff mic drop

Lakers star excited for upcoming NBA postseason despite injuries to key teammates

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:56pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring rapid, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the raw energy and movement of LeBron James on the basketball court, his face and jersey dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of paint.LeBron James' playoff intensity and drive to win another championship is captured in a vibrant, expressionist painting.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is eagerly anticipating the upcoming NBA playoffs, expressing his enthusiasm in a recent podcast appearance. Despite the Lakers being shorthanded with injuries to Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic, the 41-year-old James is ready to step up as the team's primary offensive option against the Houston Rockets in the first round.

Why it matters

At 41 years old, James is in the twilight of his legendary career, making each playoff run potentially his last. The Lakers will need his veteran leadership and scoring prowess to overcome the loss of key contributors and advance deep into the postseason.

The details

In his 'Mind The Game' podcast, James described his excitement for the playoffs, saying 'This postseason is about to be, as the young kids would say, lit. S*** is going to be litty, it's going to be crazy. I'm looking forward to it.' The Lakers secured the 4th seed in the Western Conference, but will be without Reaves and Doncic at least to start the series against the Rockets, who have been playing well lately. Los Angeles will need strong 3-point shooting and potentially good news on the injury front to stay competitive.

  • The Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Rockets begins on Saturday, April 15, 2026 at 8:30 pm ET.
  • The Lakers finished the regular season as the 4th seed in the Western Conference.

The players

LeBron James

A 41-year-old superstar forward for the Los Angeles Lakers who is gearing up for potentially one of his final NBA playoff runs.

Austin Reaves

A Lakers guard who will miss the start of the playoffs due to injury.

Luka Doncic

A Lakers guard who will also miss the start of the playoffs due to injury.

Houston Rockets

The Lakers' first-round playoff opponent, a team that has been playing well lately and will look to take advantage of the Lakers' injuries.

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What they’re saying

“This postseason is about to be, as the young kids would say, lit. S*** is going to be litty, it's going to be crazy. I'm looking forward to it.”

— LeBron James

What’s next

The Lakers and Rockets will tip off Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday, April 15, 2026 at 8:30 pm ET. The Lakers will need to find a way to win without Reaves and Doncic, at least to start the series.

The takeaway

At 41 years old, LeBron James is still driven to win another championship, and he'll need to carry an even heavier load for the Lakers in the playoffs due to key injuries. His veteran leadership and scoring prowess will be crucial if Los Angeles hopes to make a deep postseason run.