LeBron isn't playing but this is how he helped the team to lead vs. Miami

Even when LeBron James isn't on the court playing against his former team, the Miami Heat, he had played an essential role for them to be winning the game tonight. 

In the second quarter, the Lakers are leading by eight points, with a spectacular Russell Westbrook leading the team and scoring two back-to-back 3-pointers.

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After the last loss the Lakers suffered, precisely against Miami, LeBron gave a strong statement about how he loves to win with the right team, and while most people thought that the message was towards the front office, his teammates got inspired.

According to JTA, LeBron's comments inspired the team and helped to win the next two games, and now that James is out, they are stepping up to show the NBA that the Lakers are a good team without their two biggest stars. 

How LeBron James' words inspired the team, according to JTA

Toscano-Anderson, who spent his last few seasons with future Hall of Famers at Golden State, said he found James' words aligned with what the team wants to achieve. "I appreciate the pressure; I like the pressure," Toscano-Anderson said. "I know what championship basketball looks like; I know what high-level basketball looks like. That's what they expect. … You have to step up to the plate. It's a man's game."