After defeating the Dallas Mavericks 112-97 on the road on April 9, the Los Angeles Lakers clinched the 6-seed in the Western Conference, which means they get to bypass the play-in tournament.
Lakers forward LeBron James, who’s averaging 24.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in his 22nd season in the NBA, is excited for the extra rest.
“It’s very important. You get that week off,” James told Spectrum Sports TV. “Being a part of the Play-In I think the last couple years, anything can happen. So for us to know that we’re top six, in the format that it is right now, anytime you can get some rest, I’m speaking for myself… anytime I can get a week off from not playing ball, I’ll take it. I’ll take it.”
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James.
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
While Lakers head coach JJ Redick is thrilled to clinch a playoff berth during his first year at the helm, he’d love it even more if Los Angeles clinched the No. 3 seed by winning one of their final two games.
Before hosting the Houston Rockets on Friday night, James warmed up on the court shirtless, which drew the ire and extreme disappointment of NBA TV analyst and Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas.
“I just totally, 100% object to this,” Thomas said. “If was the GM or coach, I would never let one of my players walk out on the floor looking like this. I mean, we are a professional NBA league. We ain’t summer league. We ain’t at the YMCA. I just think the professionalism in our NBA league has diminished so much.”
“And I look , I love LeBron. I’m a fan of his and so on.. but to walk out on the floor before a game with no shirt on? And shoot? What we at? What we doing?! Now, Adam Silver, if you want to fine somebody, fine that.”
Thomas’ comments about the four-time NBA Champion drew strong reactions from fans. One viewer posted, “Only in the nba do past players whine so much.” Another person commented, “Model of professionalism, Isiah Thomas. Just don’t look up how professional he was in the front office of the Knicks”
One woman posted, “At this point, they are mad about everything. Let Bron cook.” One man added, “This is coming from the guy that refused to shake Michael Jordan’s hand after losing in 1991.”
