James details the game-winning play: My job was to drive to the basket and draw defenders, Kennard got a wide-open shot.

On March 22, Beijing time, the Lakers narrowly defeated the Magic 105-104 on the road, with Kennard hitting a three-pointer for the quasi-game-winner. James played 34 minutes, scoring 12 points on 5-of-13 shooting, along with 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. James spoke postgame.

Reporter: That sequence was so dramatic — you got the ball on the first inbound pass, then the refs didn't call a foul, possession returned, and it ended with Kennard's open three-pointer. Can you walk us through how that unfolded?

James: That's just how the game should be. It was a missed call, a clear mistake. But the outcome was best for us; we made that three. Coach Redick drew it up clearly on the board, and we executed perfectly. Marcus made a perfect read, and Luke finished it calmly.

Reporter: What exactly was your role in that play? How confident were you when the ball reached Luke?

James: We initiated several actions simultaneously. Once we started moving, my job was to attack the rim hard, using my drive to pull defensive attention and shift the opponents' focus. It worked — two guys followed me toward the basket, leaving Luke wide open — he's one of the league's elite shooters. I just did my part.

Reporter: When you turned and saw the ball in his hands for an open three, did you instantly feel it was good, or did you need to see it go in? Since they could still push for a fast break.

James: When I turned and saw him with the ball for an open three, I pretty much knew it was good, but I definitely needed to see it go through the net to feel settled. Then I reacted quickly, knowing they had no timeout, so I had to get back on defense immediately, at least to contest. In the end, it was probably Luka (Doncic) or Reaves who stopped Suggs, and we won the game.

Reporter: Your team's win rate in clutch moments has been elite. What's the collective feeling when you need to step up late in games?

James: A sense of calm, no pressure at all. We're composed in those moments, knowing we can get stops and make key plays. Tonight we did.

Reporter: Including today, you've played over 1,600 regular-season games, the most in league history. Is your pregame preparation any different now?

James: It's a normal game day, same as the previous 1,600-plus. But I knew once I stepped on the court and the game started, I'd break this record. It feels cool. As I've said, the best thing for your teammates is that you're always available, always able to play. I've worked for over twenty years in my career to do that; the record is just a byproduct.

Reporter: Your first basket today was a steal and dunk, one of your signature plays. Did that feel particularly fitting?

James: Yeah, the steal and dunk, it was fitting indeed.