James: I did make sacrifices, but winning is the most important thing. Making the team better is what matters.

On March 13th Beijing time, the Lakers defeated the Bulls 142-130 at home, securing a four-game winning streak. James returned to play 33 minutes, shooting 7 out of 13, contributing 18 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. After the game, he accepted a media interview in the locker room, as follows —

Reporter: You've been recovering from various discomforts this week. How is your physical condition? How did you feel in your first game back after missing several games?

James: I feel pretty good. Over this past period, I've been taking good care of my body, addressing some areas since the Denver game to prepare for tonight.

You've always said your playing style is about adjusting your skills based on the team's needs. This season, especially over the past week, after observing this team, will you focus more on certain aspects of your game upon returning?

Yes, as I said before, I can adapt to whatever the team needs. Hayes and Kleber are both out; they are two very important screeners for us, and Hayes is one of our best downhill players. So I felt this was a position I could step into to help the team. Let Reaves and Doncic continue doing what they're doing now — handling the ball, scoring, running pick-and-rolls. And I'll keep helping with rebounding; I've always been a passer, so that's not a concern, just being more active.

Redick said playing this role is a sacrifice for you. Do you see it as a sacrifice yourself, or just an adjustment to help others?

Making others better and making the team better is what matters. The team is always the most important. We win, and then everyone succeeds. So, yes, it is a sacrifice. I still know what I can do individually, but I can adapt to whatever is important for this team. That's the only thing that matters; winning is the only thing that matters.

Over the past three games, you watched the team play from the sidelines, especially the games against the Knicks and Timberwolves. Did that give you a clearer idea of what you can do upon returning?

I just think we played extremely well. Even before tonight, we had won 6 out of our last 7 games. We played very complementary basketball. Reaves and Doncic were magical on offense, full of explosiveness. Everyone else's energy and effort were also on point; Ayton's recent performance has been incredible. Smart played well too; everyone got opportunities and played at a high level.

You know that championships or series can't be won in mid-March, but how encouraged are you by the habits and consistency the team is building?

You can develop habits, build chemistry, and establish the style of play needed for the playoffs. Every game is important; how you approach the game and the details each night are important.

Have you seen the team's focus increasing? That kind of fight-for-every-game focus?

It's mid-March; playoffs are a month away. So it has to increase.

You recently posted on Instagram: "Everything is victory, just presented as experience." Can you talk about why this quote resonated with you? Is this your mindset?

That is my mindset. When I saw that quote, I thought it was cool, and then I realized: often, the experience itself is more important than the final outcome. I've always been able to live in the moment and focus on the present.

Why has this been so important throughout your career?

As you grow older, you cherish the present more. When you're young, you always think about what you've done in the past or what will happen in the future. But the only thing we can be sure of is this moment right now. As you get older, you appreciate more: my big family, my three kids, every moment with them, time with my mother, my wife. When you mature and gain more wisdom, you cherish these moments more.

LeBron, what was your recovery routine over the past week?

Just the usual, even stricter. Wake up early, rehab, treatment, training; continue rehab, treatment, training in the afternoon; do it again pre-game. Even during the games I didn't play, I still came in for rehab, treatment, training. Just to do everything possible to ensure I could play tonight.

Last question. Is today considered a "girl dad" night? As a girl dad, what do you think is the most important lesson you've taught Julie?

How I treat her mother. My love for my family, my sense of responsibility within the family. How I treat her mother, her grandmother, my mother, my mother-in-law, and her siblings. Many habits, much love, many things children carry into adulthood are learned from home. When others praise our children for being polite and excellent, that's the highest compliment we as parents can receive.

I hope my daughter sees how I love her mother and how I love the elders in our family. Our family is fun, full of love, and we even love watching horror movies together. I love being a girl dad; it's really great and has genuinely softened me a lot.