Watch - LeBron James accidentally hits a long three while throwing an alley-oop
LeBron James and the LA Lakers entered Game 4 of their Western Conference finals series against the Denver Nuggets in desperate need of a win. This comes as the Lakers are trailing the Nuggets 3-0 and are on the brink of elimination.
James certainly rose to the occasion in the first quarter, finishing with 21 points and four 3-pointers on 77.8% shooting. However, he also had a little bit of luck on his side as well.
James attempted to throw an alley-oop to teammate Rui Hachimura midway through the first quarter. James threw the ball a little bit too hard, though, and instead accidentally nailed a 3-pointer.
Watch the play below:
LeBron James on the key to the Denver Nuggets' playoff success
Following the Lakers’ Game 3 loss to the Nuggets, LeBron James spoke about what has made Denver so successful against LA in their WCF series. James said that the Nuggets’ edge in the series has been the consistency of their role players:
“I think it’s been the timely shots by their role players,” James said.
“Obviously, I think the KCPs and Michael Porter Jrs. and Bruce Browns, even Jeff hit a big-time timely shot today when we were kind of going on a run. I think it’s been the supporting cast that has kind of made those timely shots that’s allowed them to kind of have the edge.”
James also spoke about the Lakers’ chances of coming back in the series, saying that LA just needs to take things a game at a time:
“I mean, just got to get one. Just one at a time,” James said.
“Just focus on Game 4, and you know, that’s all you can really think about. I mean, obviously this game is over and done with. We had some opportunities but we didn’t come through. So just get ready for Monday and just got to get one. It’s a one-game series for us. Every game counts, obviously.”
James added that he still believes the Lakers can win the series:
“I can’t speak for the guys right now because I don’t know what’s going on through all their minds right now, but I still do,” James said.
“So you know, it’s time to go right back home and start to refuel and start the treatment process and recovery process and get ready for Monday. My mindset is always locked in as if it’s Game 1.”
Also read: "The end for LeBron" - Skip Bayless shuts narratives around LeBron James' career