Basketball News: Mentally sharp LeBron James set for toughest NBA playoffs against Blazers

LeBron James is taking nothing for granted as he returns for NBA playoffs after two years when the LA Lakers take on Portland Trail Blazers.The Lakers finished as the top seed of the Western Conference while the Blazers only just made it to the playoffs with a win in their final match in the bubble in Florida. James said this postseason, his first in two years after failing to qualify last season with the Lakers, and the most unusual in league history, will be his most challenging yet.“This is the toughest championship run for me personally, for the circumstances of just being in here,” he said after he finished practice in a Disney World convention center ballroom. LIfe in the bubble in Florida has been tough and James believes the only sure thing this time around might be his mind.“As far as me locking in on an opponent and individuals, that hasn’t changed,” James said. “What's different is this environment. I’m not home with my family. Not in my own bed. I’m not in our practice facility. I’m not preparing to be at Staples tomorrow with our fans. I’m not with a lot of things that’s essential to my everyday regimen. So that’s what’s different. But as far as mentally, that’s always going to be sharp.”So are his skills, of course. He averaged 25.3 points and led the NBA with 10.2 assists per game, but the Lakers needed much more than that.