LeBron James’ Frustrations Confirmed as Lakers Escape Tough Consequences After Pacers Win

The Los Angeles Lakers entered Indiana under immense pressure. After losing three straight games and seven of their last ten, they needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Despite building multiple double-digit leads, they allowed the Pacers to claw back each time. But when it mattered most, LeBron James delivered.

With the game on the line, Luka Dončić’s potential game-winner missed, and James was there for the putback tip-in just before the buzzer, sealing a dramatic 120-119 victory. The Lakers snapped their losing streak, but the night also exposed some cracks in their armor—most notably, James’ uncharacteristically slow start.

LeBron’s Frustrating First Half

LeBron has built his career on consistency, but his first-half performance against Indiana was anything but. He failed to make a single field goal, missing all five of his attempts, and finished the half with just two points from free throws, five rebounds, and three assists. This marked only the fifth time in his career—and the first since 2010—that he went an entire first half without a field goal.

Head coach JJ Redick confirmed James’ frustration in the postgame press conference. “Certainly, there was a level of frustration from starting whatever it was—0-for-6 or whatever it was,” Redick admitted. He also pointed out that the Lakers missed key opportunities to help James find his rhythm early. “We missed him early on some offense seals against smaller players. I think we missed him three times in the first half,” Redick explained. “Sometimes, when you’re not in the offensive flow, just getting the ball at the rim, scoring a layup, or getting to the free-throw line can really get you going.”

LeBron Sets the Record Straight on JJ Redick

Despite recent struggles, Redick has gained the trust of his players—especially LeBron. During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, James addressed the lingering skepticism surrounding Redick’s hiring.

“The best thing about JJ is he’s just a great podcaster… He’s just a podcaster that for some odd reason became a head coach, and all because of me. It’s the weirdest thing in the world,” James joked, referencing the early criticism of Redick’s transition from analyst to coach. He then praised Redick’s relentless passion for the game, saying, “He’s one of those guys, kind of just like me—if we lose a game or don’t play up to par, there’s no such thing as sleeping.”

Redick himself had previously admitted to sleepless nights, particularly before the Lakers’ crucial matchup against the Denver Nuggets on February 23, following a dominant 13-1 run in their previous 14 games.

Is Redick the Lakers’ Long-Term Answer?

Early doubts about Redick’s coaching ability have faded as he’s proven himself a legitimate Coach of the Year candidate. His ability to manage a veteran-led team and handle high-pressure situations has stabilized the Lakers in ways previous coaches couldn’t.

With only three games separating them from the fourth seed, the Lakers still have a chance to climb the standings. James may have had a tough shooting night, but his leadership and Redick’s steady hand are keeping L.A. in the fight.