Dave McMenamin May 2, 2026, 12:27 AM ET Close Lakers and NBA reporter for ESPN. Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09. HOUSTON -- After LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 98-78 Game 6 victory over the Rockets on Friday to clinch their first-round series, the 41-year-old allowed himself a rare instance to embrace the accomplishment. "It's not my style at all," James told ESPN after posting 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in the closeout victory. "I think me personally, the accepting and trying to be OK with the small victories comes with where I am in my career. Understanding, s---, who knows how many more playoff series I'm going to be a part of? If I play one more or two more or three more seasons, that doesn't guarantee me to be in the postseason. So just trying to appreciate the moments, whatever it is, and however long I'm playing.…