After the Lakers dominated the Warriors on Saturday to reclaim the lead in their series, LeBron James offered some advice about the highs and lows of the playoffs, writes Dave McMenamin of ESPN. The 38-year-old, who has appeared in more career postseason games than anyone, warned against overreacting to one win or loss.
“For the young guys that haven’t been a part of the postseason or haven’t had much experience in the postseason, just stay off the TV and stay off social media,” he said. “You win a game, everybody is the greatest player in the world; you lose a game, they’re throwing dirt on you. It’s literally that simple. It’s all about training your mind for the next challenge. And, ‘What’s the next challenge? This game is over with, we played well. OK, cool. But we got another on Monday.'”
James had 21 points, eight rebounds and eight assists as L.A. won by 30 points after losing its last game by 27. His numbers have been fairly consistent throughout the playoffs, but the same can’t be said for Anthony Davis, whose up-and-down performances usually correlate with a Lakers’ win or loss. He was a +28 on Saturday with 25 points and 13 rebounds after posting a -22 in Game 2 with 11 points and seven rebounds.
“I look at it as I just missed shots,” Davis said of Thursday’s game. “I didn’t do anything differently. I know, especially at this time of the year, I put it all on the floor and that’s all I can do.”
There’s more on the Lakers:
- Coach Darvin Ham made a rotation change on Saturday, moving Lonnie Walker ahead of Troy Brown and Malik Beasley, McMenamin adds. After playing 27 combined minutes in the team’s eight previous playoff games, Walker had 12 points in 25 minutes in Game 3. Ham also cautioned against reading too much into the margins of victory. “Make no mistake about it, the deficit, us winning by whatever, 30 doesn’t represent who that team really is. Just like losing Game 2 doesn’t represent who we are,” Ham said. “This is going to be a battle to the end.”
- After Saturday’s game, James told reporters that he’s “still serious” about wanting to be on the same team with his son, per Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. Bronny James, who committed to USC earlier in the day and will be eligible to enter the 2024 draft, was at courtside to watch his father battle the Warriors. “My son is going to take his journey. And whatever his journey, however his journey lays out, he’s going to do what’s best for him,” the elder James said. “… So, just because that’s my aspiration or my goal, doesn’t mean it’s his. And I’m absolutely OK with that.”
- Rob Pelinka’s roster shakeup at the trade deadline continues to pay off, notes Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports, who pointed out that D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt all contributed to Saturday’s win.
Look, as much as we rag on Bron. It will be cool AF if he does play with Bronny on the same team. It was coll AF when the Griffeys did it too. And I’m sure it was cool AF when the Howes did it.
It’s a big deal when Fathers and Sons and Uncles and all play in the league at different times. We all have remarked about the Matthews legacy.
It’s a great storyline for sports.
Honestly. I wouldn’t want to play with my dad. I’d rather play against my dad. Be so cool to play against each other LeBron defending Bronny. Plus you’re not living in LeBrons shadow immediately entering the league. Youre on your team with x y z. Not on LeBron team that may or may not have drafted you so he signs with them.
That would be cool to. Possibly that both instances happen.
The Lakers aren’t going to be that team LeBron…
That last paragraph makes me think there’s a possibility that Bronny doesn’t want to start his career in his dads shadow…
It’ll be a weird day when LeBron has to ask out of LA for a trade to the Rockets or Hornets because his son got picked there…
Do you think of the Lakers as LeBron team? I don’t. Still think of clevelin or maybe Miami, though I associate more with dawne Wayne.
Anyway maybe you’re right. But how do we know it won’t be the Vegas Lebrons when he buys that team…bonny in vegas…sounds like a motion picture
When you are a top player. And your gm is not going right. You can always help your team with effort. Defense and rebounding is mostly effort. If your shot is not falling. You can go get offensive rebs and score. Todays stars chk out way too early.
I know posters here don’t watch the Knicks. Just comment on them. But Randle is that player. He will chk out when it’s not going his way. The real players find a way to make an impact. When their shot is not falling. It’s a two way sport ….. two way TEAM sport
Randle, AD, KAT, even Booker on off nights… noticing a theme here with the former Kentucky Wildcats
Gotta give Ham props for pulling the Lonnie card
He’s no doubt had some 1st year coach moments this year but it doesn’t seem to affect him next game and he makes adjustments after mistakes. All you can ask really, he’s given the team a defensive mind-state from summer camp and its really showing its teeth today