Even at the age of 39, LeBron James continues to display remarkable energy on the court, fully aware of what is at stake for the Los Angeles Lakers. Following the All-Star break, the Lakers find themselves needing to make up ground in the Western Conference standings.

The team suffered critical losses to the Sacramento Kings twice and the Golden State Warriors, emphasizing the importance of taking care of business moving forward. Currently holding the ninth seed, the Lakers’ objective should be to secure the seventh or eighth seed, considering the likelihood of the Play-In Tournament.

In a relatively easy game against the subpar Atlanta Hawks without Trae Young, James showcased his offensive engagement from the start. Setting the tone early on, he led the team to a 136-105 victory, allowing his teammates to rest in the fourth quarter.

James’ teammate Anthony Davis recognizes the significance of this time of year and appreciates LeBron’s focused mindset. “Bron is Bron,” Davis acknowledged. “Obviously, it’s that time of the year. He’s shooting the ball extremely well, being aggressive, and finding open teammates. Defensively, he’s been locked in. This is the time of year when every game feels like a playoff game for us. So it’s crucial to maintain that level of focus and get the job done.”

In just 29 minutes, the four-time champion recorded 25 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists, shooting an impressive 10-for-14 from the field. Despite his age, his desire to win at a high level remains unwavering, a fact not lost on D’Angelo Russell, who has observed a noticeable shift in LeBron’s play.

“Yeah, his play definitely shows that,” Russell acknowledged. “With about 13 or 14 games left, I think everyone has it in the back of their minds that we’re approaching the end of the regular season. We want to get in playoff form both mentally and physically. Physically, LeBron has always been there; mentally, I feel like he’s also locked in. He still dominates the game at his age, so I would say he’s definitely there.”

As the regular season draws to a close, having LeBron James on the team proves invaluable, as his presence propels the Lakers to much-needed victories. When it comes to the Play-In Tournament, James and Davis form a formidable duo capable of making an impact, regardless of their seeding, especially if Russell can sustain his production as the third scoring option.