LeBron James Calls Daughter Zhuri ‘Lucky Charm’ After Pre-Game Ritual Leads to Dominating Win Against Warriors

Los Angeles Lakers are back to winning ways after their three-match losing streak.

LeBron James Calls Daughter Zhuri ‘Lucky Charm’ After Pre-Game Ritual Leads to Dominating Win Against Warriors

LeBron James with daughter Zhuri James (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • LeBron James' daughter Zhuri was present during the Lakers' 129-101 victory over the Warriors, which ended their three-match losing streak.
  • James praised Zhuri as a "lucky charm" and expressed the importance of spending time with his children amid his career.
  • Luke Kennard contributed significantly to the Lakers' win, scoring 16 points and providing an additional scoring threat since his recent trade.

LeBron James‘ daughter Zhuri James made an appearance on Saturday night as the Los Angeles Lakers took on the Golden State Warriors. The Lakers snapped their three-match losing streak, as they registered a convincing 129-101 victory over a shorthanded Warriors at the Chase Center.

It was a much-needed win for the Lakers, who seem to be struggling for form since the turn of the year. The win improved their record to 35-24 as they remain at sixth place in the Western Conference standings and are now 1.5 games ahead of 11th place Phoenix Suns. Meanwhile, the Warriors continue to struggle without Stephen Curry and remain in the play-in spots with a 31-29 record.

Lakers’ trio of LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves combined to score 66 points. James recorded 22 points to go along with seven rebounds and nine assists, while Doncic posted 26 points, six rebounds, and eight assists.

While James has shown no signs of slowing down since turning 41, it is not his team anymore. Since joining the Lakers at the trade deadline last season, Doncic has been the focal point of this team as the Lakers’ front office prepares for life in the post-James era. 

Following their win over the Warriors, James was asked about bringing his daughter to the game.

It’s amazing. I spent a lot of time away from my kids because of my career so any opportunity at home or at road to be able to spend time with them is always a blessing for me. She’s good luck so far. She 1-0.

James’ third child and only daughter, Zhuri James, was on court during James’ pregame warm-up. The 11-year-old held a shooting session of her own at Chase Center. With a little coaching and love from her superstar dad, Zhuri stood with her back to the basket at the free-throw line and heaved an over-the-head shot that banked in after several previous attempts.

LeBron James admits being a girl dad “softened” him

While LeBron James is idolized by many for his on-court performances, his off-court behavior and family life have made him an ideal role model for fans around the world. James’ accolades in the NBA speak for themselves, but his relationship with his wife and three children portrays him as the perfect family man.

In his post-match locker-room interview, James spoke about how being a girl dad changed him.

It’s special. It’s definitely softened me up over the last 11 years. I had two boys to begin with, but getting a little girl 11 years ago, man, it has definitely softened me up, so it’s special to have her. It’s a different type of love, if anybody got girls and boys, it’s a different type of love.

James then revealed that he always showed “tough love” to his sons, which doesn’t come as a surprise, especially since both of them are looking to make a name for themselves in pro basketball. His oldest son, Bronny James, plays with him in the Lakers.

LeBron James on Luka Kennard’s impact on the Lakers

The Lakers made just one move at the trade deadline this year. Luke Kennard was traded to the Lakers in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a future second-round pick. The 29-year-old had his best showing in ‘purple and gold’ as he recorded 16 points, three rebounds, and three assists in 27 minutes from the bench.

During his interview, LeBron James spoke about Kennard’s impact on the Lakers since joining the Lakers.

Luke Kennard shooting over Gui Santos
Luke Kennard shooting over Gui Santos (Image credits – LATimes)

It gives us another scoring threat…Because he shoots the ball so well, a lot of teams like to run him off the line. But his ability to get into the lane and make plays others as well has been a big part of what we want to do, too. Just making that extra pass, those kick-out plays and those extra ones. He’s damn good at it.

The Lakers have been one of the worst three-point shooting teams this season. With the addition of Kennard, head coach JJ Redick and his staff will be hoping to maximize his scoring abilities off the bench as the season progresses.

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