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LeBron James refused to look too far into the future to say what kind of team the Lakers might be when the playoffs arrive in April while they are still playing games in December.
Even though it was the NBA Cup quarterfinal game the Lakers lost to the San Antonio Spurs, 132-119, James didn’t want to venture into how things would unfold.
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Two years ago, when the Lakers went to Las Vegas and won the inaugural NBA Cup championship, James cautioned then that they had a long way to go and that that wasn’t an indicator or what that team could accomplish.
Not making it to Las Vegas this time and instead now having to play the Suns in Phoenix on Sunday, James was asked where the Lakers stand long term when it comes to competing for the playoffs.
“It’s December what?” James responded.
He was told it was December 10.
“And you’re talking about the playoffs? Nah, can’t do that. It’s not OK. Not my mindset,” James said. “I don’t. I can’t think about what we can do in the playoffs in December. What I can say is that the habits that we built throughout the regular season each month, if we are in a position to make it to the postseason and be able to get to that point, well, we have to build it now. But as far as talking about what type of damage we’re gonna do in the postseason in December, that’s not right for the basketball gods, not for me.”
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James’ team showed they still have so many holes to fill on defense, a sign of how far they have to go to be a championship-quality team.
The Lakers allowed the Spurs to shoot 50% from the field, 44.7% from three-point range, seemingly being unable to slow down the faster and more athletic young Spurs who were playing without their best player, center Victor Wembanyama (left calf strain).
Still, the Spurs had seven players score in double figures, led by Stephon Castle’s 30 points and De’Aaron Fox’s 20.
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They will face the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the semifinals in Las Vegas on Saturday.
“Obviously, it’s a unique team. They…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lakers-fall-spurs-eliminated-nba-055052771.html
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Publish date : 2025-12-11 05:50:00
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