‘You’re not going to the final’

With Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James records a triple-double 124-104 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday, the basketball world is wondering if the team can make a postseason run. As it is triple-double for Lakers star James felt famous for his career, NBA analyst Brian Windhorst he would pour hot water over every thought.

Windhorst spoke on ESPN’s “Get Up” when he was asked about Los Angeles after the win over the Mavericks and their chances, as James had 28 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. He would then have a stern reality check for every fan, saying that while they are in the midst of a “great” season, the team is not going to the NBA Finals.

“They’re fifth in the West. That’s great considering all the games their stars have missed,” Windhorst said. “I mean, now they’re six and six when Luca doesn’t play. The fact that Austin Reaves has missed so many games and LeBron has missed enough games to be out of contention for the vote already, and they’re still 11 games over .500. Like, they’re having a really good season. This is somewhat of a limited roster, and I think all Lakers fans should do the interview we just had: enjoy the season if you’re not going to the Finals this year.”

“Do what LeBron (James) said. Enjoy the season. You’re not going to the Finals this year.”

Brian Windhorst to Lakers fans 👀

(via @GetUpESPN)pic.twitter.com/lJ0VzAorof

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 13, 2026

Brian Windhorst talks more about the Lakers’ chances

With Luka Doncic left the Lakers due to injury There’s no denying that issues have held the team back, but they’ve overcome them, although Windhorst isn’t convinced that makes them a championship contender.

“If you’re healthier than your opponent in the playoffs, if you catch the right tackle, you might be able to make a run,” Windhorst said. “Just enjoy the season. Enjoy the fact that on Thursday night when the stars are out, he puts up a triple-double. Everybody who came to that game last night liked what they saw from LeBron James. He scored or assisted on his first 23 points. That’s where you are right now as a Lakers organization.”

Either way, Los Angeles is currently 33-21, which puts them in fifth place in the Western Conference heading into the All-Star break, as the Lakers look to prove Windhorst wrong.