One reason why LeBron James joining the Los Angeles Lakers was a bit of a surprise was because the team isn’t viewed as a title contender right now. James is the best player in the world and Los Angeles has a number of young and talented players, but on the whole, the Lakers aren’t quite on the same level as the Golden State Warriors or the Houston Rockets.
In James’ eyes, though, that’s not a major concern during his first year in L.A. James met with the media as part of the Lakers’ media day on Monday afternoon and revealed that he does not have a title-or-bust mentality, instead saying there are other ways to determine success this season that don’t involve lifting the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Preparation is 🔑 for @KingJames & the @Lakers. 💪#NBAMediaDay pic.twitter.com/lVTqDvcxOg
— NBA TV (@NBATV) September 24, 2018
“I don’t believe the only success in marking a season is winning a championship,” James said. “There’s only one champion, but that doesn’t mean you’re not successful.”
James went on to stress the importance of controlling what the team can control, with things like preparation and getting better every day coming to mind. He was also asked about the pressure that comes with being a Laker — namely what makes him feel pressure at the stage of his career, and gave a pretty simple answer in response.
Reporter: "What, if anything at this stage of your career, creates pressure for you?"@KingJames: "Nothing."#NBAMediaDay pic.twitter.com/BHaKI6vxnV
— NBA TV (@NBATV) September 24, 2018
“Nothing,” James said before cracking a smile and repeating his response.
The lack of pressure he feels might have something to do with the fact that he doesn’t have the title-or-bust mentality that was so prominent during his tenure in Cleveland. Of course, maybe this all changes if the Lakers approach the trade deadline in a fight for their playoff lives, but for now, James sounds like he’s at peace with the notion that this season might not result in a championship.
