James: Finger injury is minor; Lakers' nine-game winning streak builds mental toughness.

On March 24 Beijing time, the Lakers lost 110-113 to the Pistons away. James injured his finger but played through it, scoring zero points in the first half—the third such occurrence in his career—and finished with 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists. After the game, James spoke with the media—

Reporter: You trailed slightly several times in the first half but came back strong in the second half. For tonight’s game, do you think it was the Pistons’ clutch performance and high shooting accuracy, or could we have done better ourselves?

James: Definitely credit the opponent. They are the top team in the East; even without their All-Star, this team is still strong. They deserve respect. We fought until the end and created chances to win, that’s enough.

Reporter: Redick said you played very selflessly today. You missed some shots and didn’t score in the first half, but you had 10 assists overall. You’ve always said you’ll let the game flow and find ways to help the team. How are you adjusting to not forcing shots, and does it feel comfortable?

James: I play only to win games for the team. I just fulfill my role and follow the rhythm of the game.

Reporter: You previously secured a nine-game winning streak, defeating many strong teams. Over the past weeks, people have increasingly believed this team is solid. What good habits have you developed during this period?

James: The most important is mental toughness. In several games, we were either trailing or our lead was erased, but we held our ground and completed comebacks. Our psychological resilience has grown. Tonight was similar: away game against a top team, the opponent was well-prepared for this matchup while we are still on a long road trip. Getting to a one-possession game at the end is already good.

Reporter: In many plays, you stayed in the low post, protecting the rim and making key defensive stops. What is crucial for positioning and making such defensive reads?

James: It’s anticipation and understanding the team’s defensive system. Knowing when you are the low-post helper, reading the situation early. When teammates miss defensive assignments, stepping up to cover. I’ve played many years, seen countless tactical sequences, understand the game, so naturally know where to go.

Reporter: Regarding the goaltending call, did the referee explain it to you? From our view, the ball was still rising, but they called goaltending, and we didn’t get possession.

James: The referee said the ball was already descending.

Reporter: Also, how is your finger? It looked like you injured it in the first half.

James: Yeah, got jammed. When fighting for the ball, it and Tobias hit my finger. It’s fine, not a big issue. I played the whole game, no problem.

Reporter: We know the Pacers’ current record; they just beat the Magic tonight. Besides Haliburton, most of their players were in the Finals last year and logged heavy minutes. Facing them on Wednesday (Thursday Beijing time), you know this will be a tough battle, right?

James: They play very hard and fast, and their coach is excellent. We must be prepared. This is the last away game; everyone wants to go home, but we still have business to handle and must give full effort.