The streak is over. For the first time since 2005, LeBron James, who is now with the Lakers, will not be going to the playoffs. The Lakers were eliminated last night.
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After the Lakers were eliminated, James said, “Obviously, it’s been a tough season for all of us. It’s not what we signed up for. Throughout the year, things happened. Suspensions, injuries, things of that nature. And just not being able to play sustainable basketball for 48 minutes. But you don’t even try to wrap your head around it, you just keep pushing. Just try to get better tonight, move onto tomorrow, and go from there.”
He also added, “Playoffs are never promised. You’ve got to come out and work. For me personally, you just continue to put the work in and see what you can do to help.”
The Lakers were defeated by the Nets with a score of 111-106.
Don’t feel too bad for LeBron. Just last year, he won the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year Award, which was his third time winning. Aside from having a strong presence on the court where he averaged just shy of 30 points per game, he continuously uses his platform to spread awareness about social issues and bring important conversations surrounding race in America to the forefront.
He produced a powerful documentary dubbed “Shut Up and Dribble” that explored the history of Black athletes who have been outspoken about social and political issues. He created an unscripted HBO series called “The Shop” that featured candid conversations with celebrities about culturally relevant topics.
One of his biggest accomplishments last year was opening up the I Promise School for youth in his hometown of Akron. James dedicated the award to the I Promise School. “Throughout my journey if I’m able to win anything, my name is getting the award but it’s more than that,” he said in a statement, according to Sports Illustrated. “It’s everybody that I try to inspire. It’s my teammates and it’s my city, where I come from. It’s my kids and my school so it’s never about me.”
See the reactions below to LeBron James not making it to the playoffs.
