After the Cavaliers’ 127-97 victory against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, James told reporters that he often tells younger players to “remain off the television and remain off social networks” during timeouts.
When you beat the game, everyone thinks you’re the best player ever. You are beaten in a video game, and then people start talking trash about you,” he said.
A tweet from Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols).
During this stretch, LeBron recommends that his younger teammates not watch TV or use any social media. Play some music in the background while watching the other championship game on mute. That’s my speciality.
Look no farther than what has been said about Anthony Davis after the first three games against the Warriors if you want proof of how quickly postseason tales can change. In the first game, which his team won 117-112, he recorded a remarkable efficiency of 30 points, 23 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks in just 44 minutes of action.
After the Lakers lost Game 2 by a score of 127-100, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith called Davis “straight trash,” while ESPN’s Jeremy Take wondered whether the Lakers were carried.
Tweets by Stephen A. Smith
a href=”https://t.co/ApQMSGmYBp”>Anthony Davis: Straight garbage last night /a> pic.twitter.com/ApQMSGmYBp
The narrative will certainly shift back in Davis’ favour following Game 3. He was a defensive force, helping hold the Warriors to 39.6 percent shooting from the field, while contributing 25 points, 13 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 steals.
Most of the Lakers’ starting lineup had previous postseason experience this year, albeit occasionally limited. For the 2021 Washington Wizards, Rui Hachimura played in a single series. Jarrett Vanderbilt was a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets and appeared in nine playoff games.
The most well-known player in the starting lineup is Austin Reaves, who had never been to the playoffs before this year. After scoring 10 points on just 2-of-8 shooting on Saturday night, he may be feeling the added strain at this stage.
Only James and Anthony Davis remain from the Lakers’ 2019-20 championship team. There is perhaps no other current professional athlete in major sports who has a greater grasp of the dangers of sharing personal experiences on social media than James.
The Lakers’ performance in the playoffs belies any doubts about whether or not James’ advice is being followed by the team. This victory on Saturday was their second by at least 30 points in the playoffs.
On Monday night at 10 p.m. ET, LeBron James and the Lakers will play the Warriors at Crypto.com Arena, looking to grab a 3-1 series lead.