Lakers' LeBron James Says Teams 'Need' Luck to Be Successful in NBA Playoffs

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is no stranger to the throes of the NBA playoffs, so he knows what it takes to be successful.

While speaking to JJ Redick on the Mind the Game podcast, James was asked about the importance of luck in the postseason and he responded, "Need it."

James and Redick went on to dissect the legendary three-pointer by Ray Allen during the 2013 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs. James had missed a three-pointer, and Chris Bosh grabbed the rebound before kicking it out to Allen for a buzzer-beating triple that forced overtime and eventually propelled the Heat to their second straight NBA championship.

James pointed out the about of factors that went into that play, noting that the Spurs took Hall of Fame forward Tim Duncan off the floor to better defend the perimeter, which opened the door for Bosh's rebound. When Bosh grabbed the board, Spurs guard Manu Ginobili also attempted to get the rebound but wound up falling down, leaving Allen free to get to his spot.

On top of everything else, Allen didn't even have time to look down and make sure he was behind the three-point line. James said he thinks luck was on Miami's side that night.

"What if he steps on the line, backpedaling? What if he steps on the baseline? What if his toe's on the line? There's a lot of preparation because I watched Ray do that every day, practice like that. But, I believe there's some luck to that, too," James said.

The 39-year-old will be trying to lead the Lakers out of the play-in tournament. Los Angeles will face the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night for an opportunity to clinch the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference.