LeBron James put forth an incredible effort in Game 4 against the Nuggets on Monday night, scoring 40 factors (31 within the first half) with 10 rebounds and 9 assists whereas enjoying all 48 minutes, nevertheless it was nonetheless not sufficient to get the Lakers a win within the collection.
Nikola Jokic and firm had been simply too good in all 4 video games towards a aggressive, however finally outgunned Lakers workforce. Denver is now headed to the NBA Finals for the primary time in franchise historical past, and after the sport LeBron James had some excessive reward for the Nuggets and their famous person. James referred to as the Nuggets the very best workforce the Lakers have confronted within the 4 years he and Anthony Davis have been collectively in L.A., and in addition spoke glowingly of Jokic’s recreation, significantly how even if you do the whole lot proper, generally it’s not sufficient.
“In all probability the very best workforce that we’ve performed since we’ve been collectively for our 4 years.”
LeBron James on the 2022-23 Denver Nuggets pic.twitter.com/x2OoB5AMn7
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 23, 2023
James may solely snort and tip his cap to the two-time MVP for these stepback, one-legged threes that he made with upsetting regularity within the collection, together with a pair on Monday evening — one within the first half to maintain them inside attain and one within the fourth quarter to push the lead out to 6.
These pictures are merely demoralizing for the opposition, as a result of there may be nothing extra you are able to do. They’re 24 seconds of good protection that finish in a 3, and that’s a very laborious tablet to swallow, significantly towards a workforce that creates so many attractiveness with the crispness of their offense. Nonetheless, LeBron is aware of the one factor you are able to do is snort and hope that the following time the shot doesn’t fall.
Watching James speak about Jokic, you may see the respect he has for his talents and intelligence on the basketball courtroom. James would later say he didn’t suppose Jokic obtained sufficient credit score for what he does mentally on the courtroom, largely as a result of most individuals don’t perceive the whole lot he does, “however I do…he’s particular.”
