This time last year, the Los Angeles Lakers were out of the playoffs entirely after finishing 11th in the West. This season, things started off much the same way before an unprecedented mid-season turnaround saw L.A. become a formidable playoff team.
But even before the big trades this season, LeBron James made vowed to never miss the playoffs again and fans are remembering that promise now in the aftermath of securing the 7th seed in the West.
man of his word @KingJames 👑 pic.twitter.com/KI3fGETxsM
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) April 12, 2023
LeBron has since deleted that tweet, but the promise still holds true today in light of the Lakers finally clinching a playoff spot in the West.
At the time of the Tweet, James was home already after the Lakers finished 11th in the Conference. Clearly heartbroken and distraught over his team’s failure, he sent a warning to the league that he was going to do everything he can to avoid a repeat scenario this season.
We all saw how this campaign began, but credit has to be given to LeBron and the Lakers for coming through and delivering on their commitment to being better.
The Lakers Are Already Preparing For The Grizzlies
After the win over Minnesota this week, the Lakers can finally prepare for the actual playoffs, which will be their biggest challenge yet. In just the first round, L.A. will have to face off against a very good and rowdy Grizzlies team that refuses to back down against anyone. Unlike many other teams, Memphis does not fear the Lakers, and Dillon Brooks even admitted that he’s happy to be playing them out of the gate.
LeBron, of course, already has the full scouting report on his new opponents…
“Really good team, very well coached, very well balanced, obviously the head of the snake is Ja Morant,” said LeBron on the Grizzlies. “Another All-Star in Jaren Jackson who is up there in Defensive Player of the Year as well as blocked shots. Offensively, he’s very dynamic as well. Tyus Jones has led the league in the assists-to-turnover ratio in like the last 6 years. Desmond Bane is in his second or third year but plays like a veteran, his ability to shoot the ball from the 3-point line and he can attack early transitions.”
The Lakers certainly have an uphill climb to the Finals, but LeBron has more than earned the benefit of the doubt in these scenarios, and nobody should be counting his team out before they are officially eliminated.
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