LeBron gets eliminated but remains the Lakers’ leader in playoff offensive and defensive rebounds, assists, second in points, and second in threes.

The 2025 NBA playoffs were expected to be an electrifying chapter in LeBron James’ storied career, but the Los Angeles Lakers’ journey was cut short earlier than many had anticipated. Despite their valiant efforts, the Lakers were eliminated from postseason contention by the Minnesota Timberwolves, who secured a 103-96 victory in the play-in game, ensuring their spot in the playoffs. While the loss stung for Lakers fans and players alike, the performance of LeBron James throughout the postseason journey was a testament to his leadership, skill, and indomitable will. Even in defeat, LeBron proved that he remains one of the most complete players in NBA history, showcasing his unparalleled ability to impact the game in every aspect.

Though the Lakers were unable to advance past the Timberwolves, LeBron continued to put up incredible individual statistics. Throughout the playoffs, he led the Lakers in offensive and defensive rebounds, solidifying his presence in the paint and showing that his all-around game remains as potent as ever. He also led the team in assists, once again demonstrating his incredible basketball IQ and vision, often making plays that extended the life of possessions and created opportunities for his teammates. Despite being in the twilight of his career, LeBron also managed to finish second on the team in points and three-pointers made—proof that his scoring ability, particularly from beyond the arc, still remains a critical part of his game.

In this article, we will break down the various ways in which LeBron James continued to lead the Lakers through their playoff run and how his all-around contributions were key to keeping them competitive, even when the team struggled. From his leadership on and off the court to his statistical dominance in multiple categories, LeBron’s performance in the 2025 playoffs showed that age has not diminished his impact on the game.

LeBron James’ Playoff Leadership: A Study in Versatility

LeBron James has always been more than just a scorer. Over the years, his game has evolved to encompass nearly every element of basketball, from elite defense to playmaking and leadership. His ability to fill multiple roles has been a defining characteristic of his greatness, and in the 2025 playoffs, it was on full display once again.

Offensive and Defensive Rebounds: LeBron’s Dominance on the Glass

Rebounding has never been LeBron’s most celebrated skill, yet it remains one of his most underrated and impactful abilities. During the 2025 playoffs, LeBron’s dominance on the glass was a critical factor in keeping the Lakers competitive, especially when the team struggled to generate offense in certain stretches. His ability to secure both offensive and defensive rebounds in crucial moments was vital in keeping the Lakers’ hopes alive.

LeBron’s defensive rebounding has always been one of his strengths. Even at the age of 40, his size, athleticism, and basketball IQ allow him to box out opponents and grab boards with the best of them. Against the Timberwolves, who boasted strong rebounders like Rudy Gobert, LeBron’s ability to gather defensive rebounds and initiate fast breaks helped the Lakers limit Minnesota’s second-chance opportunities. In a season where the Lakers had to lean on their defense more heavily than ever before, LeBron’s efforts on the glass were invaluable in transitioning from defense to offense.

On the offensive boards, LeBron continued to be a presence, especially in critical moments. His tenacity around the rim allowed the Lakers to maintain possessions and generate extra opportunities to score. In several playoff games, LeBron’s offensive rebounds led directly to putbacks or kickouts to open shooters, exemplifying how his hustle contributed to the team’s offensive flow. While LeBron’s scoring ability is legendary, his commitment to rebounding reinforced his leadership and his desire to do whatever was necessary to win.

Assists: The General on the Court

LeBron James has long been regarded as one of the best passers in the history of the NBA. His court vision, basketball IQ, and unselfishness have enabled him to create opportunities for his teammates in ways few others can replicate. In the 2025 playoffs, LeBron continued to demonstrate his playmaking ability, leading the Lakers in assists and often serving as the team’s primary facilitator.

In the Lakers’ system, LeBron is tasked with much more than simply scoring. He is responsible for initiating the offense, setting up plays, and making sure his teammates are in positions to succeed. As the Lakers struggled to find consistent scoring options from their supporting cast, LeBron’s passing ability became even more crucial. Whether it was finding shooters on the perimeter or delivering pinpoint passes to Davis in the post, LeBron’s vision allowed the Lakers to remain dangerous despite the fact that they were outmatched in some games.

One of the standout moments of the playoffs was LeBron’s ability to orchestrate offensive sets with minimal turnover. He was the go-to player in late-game situations, setting up teammates for critical shots or creating his own offense when necessary. His leadership in this department helped to mask some of the Lakers’ struggles with consistency, as his ability to make plays kept the team competitive.

Scoring: LeBron’s Ability to Contribute at Every Level

While LeBron James has evolved into a more well-rounded player over the years, he is still one of the most dominant scoring forces in NBA history. In the 2025 playoffs, LeBron finished second on the Lakers in points, consistently carrying the scoring load for the team. Even in the face of a talented Timberwolves defense, LeBron’s ability to score in a variety of ways—whether it was driving to the basket, hitting mid-range shots, or knocking down three-pointers—kept the Lakers in contention.

Despite being in the latter stages of his career, LeBron’s scoring efficiency has remained impressive. His transition to becoming a more perimeter-oriented scorer has been seamless, as he now relies on his jump shot and three-point shooting as much as his athleticism. Throughout the playoffs, LeBron demonstrated his ability to stretch the floor, providing an additional threat for opposing defenses. His ability to knock down timely three-pointers was especially important in moments when the Lakers struggled to create offense, and his spacing on the floor helped create lanes for other players to attack.

LeBron’s scoring prowess, combined with his playmaking and rebounding, allowed the Lakers to remain competitive in a playoff series where they were often outmatched. His all-around game made him the centerpiece of the Lakers’ efforts and the one player they could rely on at any given moment.

Three-Point Shooting: LeBron’s Surprising Perimeter Success

As the NBA continues to evolve, three-point shooting has become a more important aspect of every player’s game, and LeBron James is no exception. Early in his career, LeBron was not known for his long-range shooting, but over the years, he has added that element to his arsenal. In the 2025 playoffs, LeBron finished second on the Lakers in three-pointers made, reinforcing that his perimeter shooting is a significant part of his offensive repertoire.

LeBron’s ability to stretch the floor became especially crucial during the playoffs when the Lakers faced defenses that were designed to stop him in the paint. Against the Timberwolves, LeBron knocked down key three-pointers at crucial junctures of the game, preventing Minnesota from fully capitalizing on their defensive strengths. His three-point shooting helped to space the floor, giving the Lakers’ offense the breathing room it needed to operate more efficiently.

LeBron’s Leadership: More Than Just Stats

While the individual statistics tell one story, LeBron’s leadership on and off the court is what truly makes him a unique figure in NBA history. LeBron has long been regarded as one of the most intelligent and driven players to ever play the game, and in the 2025 playoffs, his leadership was essential in keeping the Lakers competitive. Even in the face of adversity, LeBron never gave up, leading by example with his work ethic, his focus, and his commitment to the team.

Off the court, LeBron’s leadership was equally as important. He was the vocal leader in the locker room, motivating his teammates and reminding them of their potential even when things looked bleak. His veteran presence was invaluable during moments of doubt and frustration, providing the Lakers with the stability they needed to continue to fight, even after the dream of an NBA title seemed to slip away.

The End of an Era?

The 2025 playoffs marked yet another milestone in LeBron James’ illustrious career. While the Lakers’ elimination may have ended their pursuit of another title, it is clear that LeBron remains one of the NBA’s most impactful players. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, LeBron continues to perform at an elite level, contributing in multiple facets of the game. His leadership, scoring, passing, and rebounding abilities remain essential to the Lakers’ success.

As LeBron and the Lakers look toward the future, the 2025 playoffs served as a reminder of his greatness, even in defeat. While the dream of pairing him with Luka Dončić may have been dashed for now, LeBron James’ all-around game ensures that he remains a force in the NBA for the foreseeable future.