LeBron James Shares Sage Playoff Advice for Young Teammates
LeBron James has enjoyed his fair share of playoff experiences, with 16 trips to the postseason during a storied 20-year NBA career.
But some of James’s Lakers teammates have far less postseason seasoning. For example, Austin Reaves and Mo Bamba are in the playoffs for the first time this season.
After Saturday’s Game 3 win over the Warriors, James was asked how his teammates can stay focused amid increased scrutiny during the playoffs, especially when additional days off means more time for the media to obsess over storylines.
“Stay off the TV. Stay off social media,” James said. “You win a game, everybody’s the greatest player in the world. You lose a game, they’re throwing dirt on you. It’s literally that simple. It’s all about training your mind for the next challenge. …
“If you got a show to watch, one of your favorite movies or if you like listening to music, or if you’re reading books, whatever the case may be, playing cards with the family, whatever. When you watch the other playoff games, watch them on mute and play some music in the background. That’s what I do.”
It sounds as if the four-time NBA champion wants his teammates to avoid the distractions of traditional and social media—whether it’s praise or criticism. That approach appears to have worked for James over the years, as he’s made 10 NBA Finals appearances and won four NBA Finals MVP awards.
The Lakers will face the Warriors in Game 4 at home on Monday night at 10 p.m. ET.
