Los Angeles Lakers’ superstar LeBron James has some advice for his younger teammates as they move closer to the Western Conference Finals. Speaking to the press after a 127-97 win over the Golden State Warriors, James urged the rookies to steer clear of social media and television coverage between games. He stressed how quickly playoff narratives can change and how it can affect a player’s mental state.
James’ advice comes as a reminder that the playoffs are a different ball game, and staying focused is critical. He noted that after a win, everyone is the best player in the world, but after a loss, everyone starts to criticize. It is easy to fall into this trap of overconfidence or self-doubt, but it is crucial to stay focused on the task at hand.
LeBron said his main advice for the Lakers’ younger players who haven’t experienced a deep playoff run is to “stay off social media” pic.twitter.com/qb8ON2pApI
— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA) May 7, 2023
The Lakers have some younger players with limited playoff experience. While some like Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt have some postseason experience, others like Austin Reaves are playing in their first NBA playoffs. James understands the pressure that comes with the playoffs and social media, and he wants to ensure that his teammates do not let it affect their game.
James’ words are not just advice; they come from experience. He has been in the NBA for over 18 seasons and has played in ten NBA Finals. He knows how to handle the pressure of the playoffs and understands that social media can be a distraction. James wants his younger teammates to learn from his experience and focus on the game rather than the outside noise.
The Lakers’ success in the playoffs is proof that James’ advice is working. They have won two games by more than 30 points this postseason, and they are now two wins away from the Western Conference Finals. Although it is unclear whether the younger players are following James’ advice, it is evident that they are staying focused and playing well.
James and Anthony Davis are the only remaining players from the Lakers’ championship-winning team in 2020. They know what it takes to win a championship, and they want to lead the team to another one. With James’ leadership and advice, the Lakers are well-positioned to continue their playoff success and pursue another championship. The Lakers will look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead when they host the Warriors in Game 4 at Crypto.com Arena on Monday at 10 p.m. ET.
LeBron James: A Reign of Greatness and the MVP Drought
The NBA has crowned Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid as the Most Valuable Player of the 2022-2023 season, edging out other superstars like Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo. With 73 first-place votes, Embiid’s dominance this season cannot be argued. This is Embiid’s first-ever MVP award, and it is well-deserved.
In contrast, Lakers’ superstar LeBron James received no MVP votes for the first time in his illustrious 20-year career. Although he missed some time due to injury, James still put up impressive numbers, averaging 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 55 games. However, the voters ultimately decided that James was done winning MVPs.
It is worth noting that James last won the award in the 2012-2013 season as a member of the Miami Heat. Despite his continued excellence on the court, he has not won the award in a decade, a fact that some find ridiculous. However, James still has the support of many voters, and his reign as one of the game’s greats has lasted longer than anyone could have anticipated.
As we admire James’ incredible career, it is essential to remember not to take him for granted, as he may not be playing for much longer. We can only hope that he continues to defy expectations and entertain us with his talents for many more years to come.
