“You can have Jordan, you can have Shaq, Allen Iverson and Jesus Christ could be the coach, they’re gonna lose” - LeBron James stresses the importance of having a proper culture in a franchise
LeBron James believes that a healthy locker room culture is required to breed success.
The Miami Heat have been praised over the years for their culture. Although they have not won a title since James left in 2014, it has not been for lack of trying.
Lakers win! The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the 2020 NBA Finals, winning the franchise’s 17th NBA title. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) losangeles.cbslocal.com/2020/10/11/lak… https://t.co/RFcsM4m9ao
On the latest episode of The Shop, LeBron James was asked about the important of culture and how it contributes to a team's chances.
He said:
"Definitely, culture first, and then if you can blend that with the talent and the right pieces it literally is the gateway to being successful for a long period of time.
"I can go back to when I was drafted at 18 and made my debut with Cleveland, there wasn't any culture," he continued. "And that's no knock on anybody that was there or whatever the case may be but there was no culture.
After talking about how he had to build a culture at a young age, he continued:
"I'm obsessed with it, with win or bust. What makes me have sleepless nights is when you don't have everyone that feels the same way on your club.
When asked if players have changed their mindset over time, he said:
"Well, you can have guys that come from different clubs and different teams, and they've played losing basketball for years. Like, literally, I don't give a f**k who's on that club.
"You can have Jordan. You can have Shaq, Allen Iverson, and Jesus Christ could be their coach. They're gonna lose. They're gonna lose. It's, like, literally the culture.
"But you can get a player from a losing culture, and you can see literally in the first couple weeks, if they really, like, want it or they don't. You can sense it."
James has helped build a winning culture in every franchise he has played for. He is one of four players who have won championships with three different teams.
Los Angeles Lakers: 2020
HAIL THE KING.
LeBron James has been crowned the Finals MVP 4 times in his career on 3 different teams. #NBAFinals
🏆 Los Angeles Lakers: 2020
🏆 Cleveland Cavaliers: 2016
🏆 Miami Heat: 2012, 2013 https://t.co/Vz1cQ5n5gy
LeBron James promises not to miss the playoffs for the remainder of his career
The LA Lakers fans have something to look up to next season as LeBron James has promised not to miss the playoffs. He made the declaration while watching the 2022 NBA postseason.
I can/will NOT miss the post season again for my career! This shit HURT. Ok back to watching these games.
Things did not go well for the Lakers, who finished outside the top 10 in the Western Conference. They missed the playoffs, despite James having an incredible scoring season.
James is now in the final year of his contract and will hope to guide the Lakers to another title before potentially leaving the franchise.
A lot is riding on Anthony Davis being healthy, as he could be the difference-maker. The Lakers are also actively pursuing Kyrie Irving. An Irving-James reunion will undoubtedly put the team in a better position to win.
However, the Lakers' refusal to give up draft picks in exchange for Irving has proven to be a stumbling block in negotiations. However, there is still plenty of time in the offseason to make a deal happen.
REPORT: The Lakers have reportedly been reluctant to include a second 1st-round pick in a trade for Kyrie Irving.
The Athletic’s @jovanbuha: “I think if they were willing to send two first-round picks, Kyrie would be a Laker right now.” https://t.co/NKEgcKUoNM