After a tough season of struggles, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James reflected on this year’s first-round playoff series loss to the Denver Nuggets. This was the second consecutive year that the Lakers fell to the Nuggets. The loss led to frustration of falling short in the first round of the playoffs.
Lakers Star Reflects on Series Loss to Nuggets
LeBron James Reflects on Tough Series Loss
James played excellently throughout the series alongside Anthony Davis. After having some time to reflect, he couldn’t help but think about how the Lakers came up short. On an episode of the Mind the Game Podcast with JJ Redick, James spoke on the Nuggets series.
“Where am I emotionally right now? I don’t know to be honest. Obviously going against the defending champions in the first round is always gonna be a difficult challenge, we knew that coming into it. But, we had so many opportunities man. Obviously being up 20 in Game 2 in their building and losing that game. Having so many opportunities in other games, you just feel like if one play here, one play there, could have made a hell of a difference. I feel like we were right there. But also at the same time, we weren’t and that’s why we lost the series. Give credit where credit is due,” James said.
"F*ck, we had so many opportunities man… I believe we made too many errors in some of the games… The better team won, for sure. Give credit where credit is due."
LeBron James on the Lakers' first-round loss to the Nuggets.
(via @mindthegamepod)pic.twitter.com/wy8NE5Nhve
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The Lakers Led Most of the Games
Instead of being a sweep like last season, the Lakers pushed Denver to a close five-game series. In almost every game, the Lakers led to the start of the first half, and it seemed like they had a shot at beating this team. In Game 1, the Lakers led at halftime by three. Going into the second half, it all went downhill. The Lakers rallied but ultimately lost 103-114. After showing glimpses of being able to beat this team, they had a 20-point lead going into half for Game 2. Once again, the Nuggets came back due to Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray‘s expertise play down the stretch. The Lakers would lose this game 99-101 due to a game-winner from Murray. Game 3 followed as Los Angeles would lead for most of the first half. Ultimately, they got the same result as Denver came back to take a 3-0 lead. The Lakers finally capitalized in Game 4, avoiding a sweep and getting their first win against the Nuggets.
They would ultimately lose the series in Game 5 to another game-winner by Murray. After the series wrapped up, there was a shocking statistic: the Lakers led games for over 150 minutes, while Denver only led for 50 minutes.
The Last Word
As Lakers faithful knows, it was a tough battle against the Nuggets. Falling short to them in the playoffs is tough. It is hard to argue with the points James made. The Lakers did have numerous chances in all of the games to come out on top. Stealing Game 2 could have altered the series entirely. Ultimately, however, the Lakers came up short when it mattered most. Furthermore, there is nothing Los Angeles and James can do besides reflect and move forward. The Lakers will use the offseason to better themselves, possibly make moves in the free agent market, and get ready to be on top in the NBA next year.
