LeBron James: Lakers star makes admission after narrow win over Mavericks – ‘DUMB mistake’

The Lakers were cruising, up 94-81 heading into the fourth quarter following big gains in the first and fourth.

But the Mavericks pulled it back with the Lakers eventually prevailing by just one point at 114-113.

It stopped a three-game losing streak for the Lakers and earned the Los Angeles side their third win of the NBA season.

James netted 29 points to ensure he’s made over 20 in seven of the eight games played so far.

But he acknowledged that he made an error which gave Dallas a chance to get back into the clash.

“I liked the way we played,” LeBron James said.

“I don’t like the way we closed out the game but for the majority we played well.

“We took our foot off the gas and allowed them to get back into it, they were getting into a great rhythm.

“I made a dumb mistake. The cardinal sin is to give a three when up four so I can’t stand myself for that. That just can’t happen.”

The Lakers have been involved in some close matches this season with their win over the Mavericks their second one-point game already.

They were on the wrong end of the result against the San Antonio Spurs while they have also been narrowly beaten by the Minnesota Timberwolves and Spurs again.

But James believes it’s a positive that the Lakers have been involved in some close encounters.

“I’m extremely happy we are going through it,” James added.

“You can talk about it, you can preach about it, you can watch film, but the best teacher in life is experience.

“They haven’t been in many moments like this but we’ve had a few great battles already this season.”