Jerry West defends LeBron, calls critics ‘ridiculous’

Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James routinely finds himself playing in June, and NBA legend Jerry West believes that criticism of his less-than-spectacular NBA Finals record is unjust. The debate between James’ six straight NBA Finals appearances in a remarkably competitive era being impressive vs. the standard of winning titles is at once arbitrary and inescapable. Even though the Cavs contained Curry and Thompson, they failed to limit other players such as Shaun Livingston (20 points), Andre Iguodala (12 points, seven rebounds, six assists) and Leandro Barbosa (11 points in 11 minutes). That’s how that line of thinking goes. “If I were him, I’d probably want to strangle [detractors]”, West said via ESPN. Social media is rife with commentary from fans that say the same thing.

The comments from West are also interesting given his own personal career. West went 1-8 in the Finals and remains the only player in National Basketball Association history to win a Finals Most Valuable Player award in 1969 despite losing the series – a feat James came close to matching past year. He knows all about being saddled with that kind of reputation.

The Cavs have work to do between now and Game 2 against the best offensive and defensive team they’ve faced in the playoffs.

Yet when West was asked on Saturday about the constant scrutiny surrounding James, this endless discussion on his legacy and what another Finals loss might mean, his Warriors’ loyalties didn’t matter almost as much as his appreciation for greatness.

Jerry West is trying to fight an uphill battle at this point. “So if we pick up the pace and play with a faster tempo offensively, I think we’ll be fine”. And when reserves are in the game, especially Channing Frye, they have to be more involved, too. “I did. It made no difference”. Three and one still bothers me in state championships.

“It’s just the competitive side”. My career will speak for itself when I’m done with it, no matter what my Finals record.

Earlier in the postseason, James spent time before games and while traveling reading West’s autobiography, “West on West”. “None. Zero”, said West. West said “it’s flattering” that James chose to read his book (for at least the second time) and said he hoped James gleaned from it “just how hard it is” to win. “So we’ve got to do a better job with that, which Coach (Tyronn) Lue and the coaching staff will make sure we do in Game 2”. I just didn’t want to do it. I just didn’t want to do it. If that happens, West will feel a kinship with James that few can relate to. “It took so much out of you”, West said.