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LeBron James Quotes Mike Tyson After Lakers' Win vs. Stephen Curry, Warriors

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVMay 20, 2021

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 19: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors during the 2021 NBA Play-In Tournament on May 19, 2021 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)
Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images

LeBron James channeled Mike Tyson to describe the Los Angeles Lakers' 103-100 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday in the NBA play-in tournament.

Following the game, James referenced the former boxer's quote that "everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth."

"We did that, and it felt good," the four-time MVP told reporters. "It felt great. It settled us. It wasn't comfortable, but it settled us, and we were able to bring the fight to them. We are looking forward to what is going to be in store for the postseason."

The Warriors landed the first blow, as a Stephen Curry three-pointer at the buzzer gave them a 55-42 lead at halftime. The Lakers answered with a 35-point third quarter to indicate the second half would play out differently.

James finished with a triple-double (22 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists) and hit the game's decisive shot. With the shot clock expiring inside the final minute, his 34-foot heave found the bottom of the bucket.

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BRON IS CLUTCH đź‘‘<br><br>(via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/FfQrXItlva

With the win, the Lakers clinched the seventh seed in the Western Conference and will play the Phoenix Suns in the first round.