The Los Angeles Lakers broke their three-game losing streak last night, after winning against the Denver Nuggets. Kyle Kuzma was the star after hitting the game-winner for the Lakers. Now they just have one more game to play before they hit the playoffs. But LeBron James admitted that they are still not mentally ready for it.
Post-game, James was asked, “On a scale of 1-10, 10 being playoff ready, where are you guys ?”
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“I don’t think we’re at 10 and we shouldn’t be at 10,” James replied. “Because there’s a different type of preparation that goes into playoff games. You spend hours and hours on teams because you know you’re going to be locked in with them, at least for four games.
“My legs have gotten better and my game has improved (as) I’m getting more comfortable with the bubble. As far as the mental side of it, I’m not there personally. I don’t think our team is there (yet) but we will be.”
Will we see the classic Playoff LeBron James this year?
As a follow-up, James was asked when will they get to playoff mode. He said, “It’s a different type of mindset you have to be in. But you don’t want to jump into it before you actually get there because it takes a lot of energy. Once we know who we’re playing. We’re going to wait on that and see what happens and then you start to lock in on your opponent.”
LeBron has looked far from his best in the Bubble, but he has also been playing conservatively. He may be clocking in almost 40 minutes per game, but he has not had to exert himself yet. But when the playoffs start, it will just be the opposite. We will see 40 minutes of LeBron unleashed as he aims to get his fourth ring.
Thankfully for LeBron, playing alongside him is one of the best teammates he’s ever had.
Anthony Davis has consistently been one of the best players in the league, but so far he hasn’t had a real chance to make a difference in the playoffs. But with the Lakers, he finally has the stage he deserves.
The Lakers now play their division rivals Sacramento Kings in their final seeding game and will be hoping to end their regular season with a win.
Sources: LeBron James admits he and Lakers are not mentally ready for the playoffs yet | NBA on ESPN
