LeBron James reflects on Nuggets series: ‘I feel like we were right there’

Despite only winning one game in their series against the Nuggets, LeBron James felt the Lakers were closer to winning than the final results suggest.

Playoff exits are never easy to accept, but the one the Lakers suffered to the Nuggets hurt even more.

While the series lasted just five games, Denver outscored the Lakers by just 11 points in total. The Lakers led for a lion’s share of the series and were in control at some point of each of the five games.

Fans walked away from that series not only frustrated with the season's ending but also annoyed by the way it played out. They weren’t alone in that feeling, either.

On the latest episode of their “Mind The Game” podcast, JJ Redick and LeBron James spoke about the series and the King opened up in ways he rarely ever does.

“I have no idea where I am emotionally right now. “Obviously, going against the defending champions in the first round is always going to be a difficult challenge. We knew that coming into it. But f—, we had so many opportunities man. To lose in five, two of them being game-winners by Jamal and his greatness – but we had so many opportunities. Being up 20 in Game 2 in their building and losing that game and having so many opportunities in other games, you just feel like ‘S—, one play here, one play there could have made a hell of a difference.’

“But, when you’re playing against a team like that, you have zero room for error and I believe we made too many errors in some of the games…Emotionally, I feel like we were right there in every game to be able to steal a game but, obviously, at the same time, we were and that’s why we lost the series. S— hurts, obviously. Being the competitor I am, the competitor you are – you’ve been in multiple series in your career as well – but, f— man, I feel like a couple plays here, a couple there, we could have won the series. But the better team won. The better team won for sure. Give credit where credit is due.”

Many Lakers fans have shared James’ frustration at losing by such slim margins. Having not one but two buzzer-beaters in four losses is ridiculous and the fact it was the same player both times hurts even more.

If that’s all it was, it’d be easier to swallow, but when you add in leading at the half in all five games and the majority of the series overall, only mustering one win has left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.

The series is over and the season is done. However, the Lakers must now take lessons from this defeat and improve across the board so that those slim losses become wins next season.

James himself said the Nuggets were the better team, so Lakers vice president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka has work to do to improve the team enough to make James feel like returning is the best option he has.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.