LeBron James is not letting the media management the narrative after the Los Angeles Lakers’ disappointing first-round exit from the NBA playoffs. The 22-year previous veteran joined Steve Nash on their Thoughts The Sport podcast, opening up concerning the scrutiny that adopted the Lakers’ 4-1 collection loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves– and why it misses the larger image.
“Groups win championships. It is by no means nearly me and Luka… there’s eight different guys on the ground.” James stated in a clip from his podcast that was posted by Legion Hoops on X, previously Twitter, making it clear that crew basketball– not simply star energy alone– determines postseason success.
“Groups win championships. It’s by no means nearly me and Luka… there’s 8 different guys on the ground.”
— LeBron on media narratives after dropping to Timberwolves in first spherical
(by way of @mindthegamepod)pic.twitter.com/XAepr4JUFg
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) Might 9, 2025
The feedback replicate a rising actuality for the Lakers group. After buying Luka Doncic in a blockbuster deal, L.A. sacrificed key depth items like Anthony Davis and Max Christie. Whereas Doncic’s arrival created a dynamic celebrity duo, the crew’s lack of protection and dimension grew to become a obtrusive situation in opposition to a hungry Timberwolves squad.
James did not sky away from accountability, however emphasised that the story of the collection is not about him or Doncic underperforming– it is about a greater crew profitable.
“It was by no means nearly, you already know, Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. You recognize, it was all the time Minnesota vs. the Lakers,” James additionally said.
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When co-host Steve Nash requested how the fixed media framing impacts him, James responded thoughtfully.
“I do not lose sleep over that… there’s eight different guys on the ground.”
Within the five-game collection, James nonetheless posted sturdy numbers, averaging 25.4 factors, 9 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and two steals per recreation, whereas Doncic additionally confirmed flashes of brilliance. However particular person efforts could not overcome a well-rounded Wolves crew firing on all cylinders.
Now with the 2024-2025 season behind them, the Lakers enter a pivotal offseason. Whether or not they retool or rebuild, one factor is for sure– crew id, not simply celebrity names– will decide their NBA Playoffs destiny transferring ahead.