Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James failed to get a single vote on a poll for the best player in the league. ESPN held polling on various topics among the top 10 NBA scouts and executives.
NBA Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and two-time champion Kevin Durant were tied for first place with five votes each. Both players were stand-out performers for their franchises in the recently concluded season.
Giannis led the Bucks to their first title in 50 years with a string of stellar performances in the final. On the other hand, Kevin Durant and the Nets battled through a season riddled with injuries. The former Golden State Warriors ace almost took the Nets over the line in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
It is safe to say that LeBron James did not take the verdict well. Heading into the 19th year of his illustrious career, the four-time champion is eyeing his fifth ring. The Lakers endured a horrific campaign following a promising start. Injuries to both LeBron James and Anthony Davis required the rest of the entourage to step up. However, the team slid out of an automatic spot in the playoffs and had to qualify through the play-in tournament.
Lakers fell to eventual finalists Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs in six games, which has prompted management to take some big calls. In the off-season, the franchise showed the exit door to the likes of Alex Caruso, Kyle Kuzma, and Dennis Schroder and roped in Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony.
LeBron James responds to the voting snub
The four-time league MVP winner responded to the verdict on social media. In a tweet, he sarcastically thanked the panel for not voting him and implied that he will use this snub as fuel in his quest for the ring next season. He posted: THANK YOU! As if I didn’t need more to fuel ME! #Washed. Have a look at the tweet below:
THANK YOU! As if I didn’t need more to⛽️ ME! #Washed👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 19, 2021
LeBron James had already provided a response to the talks surrounding the Lakers’ old age. He had said:
“Our personnel ages, the way he plays, he stays injured, we’re past our time in this league, etc etc etc. Do me one favor PLEASE!!!! And I mean PLEASE!!! Keep that same narrative ENERGY when it begins! That’s all I ask. #ThankYou”
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