LeBron James questioned the way some fans judge success, saying it’s strange that reaching the Finals and losing is viewed more negatively than not getting there at all.
The Los Angeles Lakers forward suggested that the criticism often feels personal, as if his career is constantly being picked apart despite its longevity and achievements.
“Like, people will really rather you not make the playoffs or lose in the first round than to lose in the Finals, which is crazy to me. And I almost feel like, is it because it’s me?
“Everybody has to say something about my career: ‘Oh, well, he made eight straight Finals, but he was only able to win three.’ ‘He’s the leading scorer in NBA history, but he’s played 23 years.’”
LeBron is confused as to why people would rather see him lose in the first round or miss the playoffs than lose in the Finals.
“Like, people will really rather you not make the playoffs or lose in the first round than to lose in the Finals, which is crazy to me. And I almost… pic.twitter.com/lADw8tZLpl
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 29, 2026
