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LeBron James says Lakers’ sky the limit when all healthy: ‘We just got to keep pushing’

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated Feb 21, 2026 1:34 PM ET

For the Lakers, Friday night was less about a single win and more about finally seeing the picture come into focus.

For one of the rare times this season, Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves all shared the floor from the opening tip. The result was a 125-122 win over the Clippers — and a glimpse of what the Lakers believe can still be built.

Doncic was electric, pouring in 38 points with 11 assists. Reaves followed with 29 of his own. James, dealing with some knee soreness, didn’t need to score much, finishing with 13 points and 11 assists while steering traffic.

Luka makin' it RAIN in the first quarter pic.twitter.com/MZ5rWGnWeu

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 21, 2026

The chemistry is still very much a work in progress. James didn’t pretend otherwise.

“I mean, every game, every second, every minute that we’re on the floor together, it helps,” he said, via Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times. “Like I said, when was that, All-Star weekend? We don’t know what we’re going to be until we get fully healthy and tonight was one of the first games where (JJ Redick) and the coaching staff can look down and know everybody was available.”

That’s the key for L.A. The talent is obvious. The timing is not.

“So we just got to keep pushing,” James added. “We got a tough team coming in on Sunday against the Boston Celtics. Obviously, a lifetime NBA rivalry. We’ve got to be ready.”