For the third time in his professional career, LeBron James finished the postseason in his first round. But this is the second year in a row that has happened.
The Lakers lost 103-96 to Minnesota on Wednesday night, losing 4-1 in the series. After the game, LeBron James spoke to the media. He was asked what it was like to play the second half of the season without a true center. James jokingly said “no comment,” referring to his former teammate Anthony Davis. He asked Los Angeles to trade for centers during the season and was traded with the Mavericks a week later.
The 22nd year ended with the disappointment of LeBron James
“My man ad said he needed it, but then he ended up the following week.” 😬
– Lebron
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24))
– nbacentral (@thedunkcentral) May 1, 2025
At the 2024-25 trade deadline, the Lakers parted ways with NBA champion Anthony Davis. He was part of a blockbuster deal with Dallas, winning All-NBA PG Luka Doncic. Without Davis later in the season, Los Angeles would have been forced to play a small lineup. They no longer lowered the dominant big man. Jaxson Hayes was the Lakers starting center, but he wasn’t close to Davis’s players in Los Angeles.
After the Lakers’ defeat in Game 5 on Wednesday, LeBron James was asked what it was like to play without a true center. He jokingly said “no comment,” referring to his former teammate Anthony Davis. A week before Davis was traded, he asked Los Angeles to trade for a center, allowing PF to play again. About a week later, Davis was traded with the Dallas Mavericks.
That’s why LeBron James didn’t share his feelings that Los Angeles doesn’t have a big man that dominates. The 40-year-old had opinions, but kept those comments to himself. The Lakers don’t have a reliable center, and it’s sure to hurt them in the postseason. Minnesota’s Rudy Gortbert had 27 points and 24 rebounds in Game 5. No one in Los Angeles can’t lock him up. Hope the Lakers get a big guy this offseason and pair them with LeBron James and Luka Donsic.