As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to face the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals, LeBron James is urging his team to step up their game. Despite their close 117-112 victory in Game 1, James knows that the Warriors will come back even stronger in the next match, led by the formidable Stephen Curry.
“They made a huge run at the end of the game being down 10, but we got stops and made some free throws,” James stated. “We got the most important stops and were able to close out, but we have to be even better for Game 2.”
As the defending champions of the NBA, the Warriors are a formidable opponent who never know when to quit. In their first-round series against the Sacramento Kings, they were down 0-2 but managed to rally back and win 4-3, securing their spot in the Western Conference Semifinals.
James is well aware of the threat posed by the Warriors and their star player Curry. As such, he is calling on his team to be even more focused and to bring their A-game for Game 2. He knows that they cannot afford to take the
Warriors lightly and must give it their all if they hope to come out on top. Additionally, James expressed his belief that Lakers will one day retire the number of Anthony Davis, his teammate, further demonstrating the tight bond that exists between the Lakers players.
LeBron James Fails to Receive a Single MVP Vote for the First Time in His Career
On Tuesday night, Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers was named the 2022-23 NBA MVP, ending his two-year runner-up streak. The last two MVPs, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, finished second and third, respectively. However, one notable absence from the MVP ballot was the legendary LeBron James.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, this marks the first time James has failed to receive a single MVP vote since his debut in the league as the first overall pick in 2003. While he posted his usual impressive stats this season, including 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game, he played only 55 games, tied for his fewest in an 82-game season. His team, the Los Angeles Lakers, ended the regular season with a record of 43-39 and secured the No. 7 playoff seed.
Despite this, the fact that James remained on the MVP ballot until his 20th season is a testament to his extraordinary talent and longevity. The 38-year-old superstar has been named MVP four times (in 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2013) and has finished as a runner-up four additional times, with three of those coming in the decade since his last MVP award.
While James may not have received any votes for this season’s MVP award, his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history remains secure. He continues to inspire fans and fellow players alike with his impressive skill set, dedication to the game, and ability to compete at the highest level year after year.
