Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James says MVP’s turnout ‘missed me’

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. – LeBron James The Los Angeles Lakers may be just three wins away from the NBA Finals, but they have reason to be offended.

Ahead of the Lakers ’1 win over Denver Nuggets to advance to the Western Conference final, the league announced the MVP’s vote for the 2019-20 season on Friday, and came in second after James Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis Antetok oun Nampo.

It was the fourth time in his 17-year career that he ended up as a runner-up for the Lakers’ Star League’s most prestigious individual award, largely joined by Jerry West and Larry Bird.

“I missed. That’s my right answer,” James said after pumping 15 points with 12 assists in the series’ opener. “He missed me, because out of 101 votes, I got 16 first-place votes. That’s what I missed more than anything.

“You know, saying the winner didn’t qualify for MVP. But he missed me. And I finished second four times in my career, out of the championship, and now as MVP.”

James was referring to his NBA Finals record of 3-6, the winning percentage that is often set aside as the first thing and Michael Jordan, Which was 6-0 in the championship round.

It was the second place closest to James, with 209 MVP polling points separating him and Antetocompo. In 2017-18, it was 227 points behind James Harden. In 2005-06, he was 236 points behind Steve Nash. And in 2013-14 it was 341 points behind Kevin Durant.

James, 35, has won League MVP honors four times in his career (2009, ’10, ’12, ’13).

“I’ve never been to this league to be an MVP or a champion,” James said. “I’ve always wanted to be better and better every day, and those things will take care of it. But some things are just out of my hands and some things you can’t control. But it makes me angry.”

James focused on the indefinite criteria for the award, which leaves a vote for interpretation. The NBA’s annual awards are given by a global panel of 100 media members of print and broadcast journalism plus a single fan vote.

“I don’t know how much we’re really watching the game,” James said loudly about the panel.

“I’m not going to sit here and talk about what the criteria should be or what it is. It’s changed over the years since I got into the league,” he said. “Sometimes he’s the best player on the best team. Sometimes he’s statistically the best person of the season. Sometimes … I mean, you don’t know. You don’t know. But you know, Giants had a hell of a season; I can say for sure. Am. “

The 25-year-old Antoine won his second straight MVP, in the same fashion as James’ first two MVPs: his team led the league in regular-season wins but was knocked out in the playoffs.

Endetok An Nampo was also named Defensive Player of the Year this season, joining Jordan (1987-88) and Hakim Olajuvon (1993-94) as the only player to win that award in the same season and MVP.

James finished second Mark Gasol For the 2017-1-13 Defensive Player of the Year – James won his fourth MVP – and he said it would still scare him.

James said, “I got the chance to be the Defensive Player of the Year and also the MVP in the same season.” And that year Gasol was the Defensive Player of the Year, but he made another team all-defense, right. So that doesn’t make sense. It’s like being the MVP of the league but you do the second-team All-NBA. That’s when I really started seeing different things like that. If I was like, how does that make sense? “

Surprisingly, James’s teammates took his case for the award even after the game.

“She deserves it,” he said. Anthony Davis Said. “What he’s been able to do for our team, the things he’s been doing personally, on a consistent basis, night, night out, it’s not just a question of who deserves it.”

The numbers back up Davis’ support. LA was a plus-173 in 862 minutes with James without Davis in the regular season. ESPN According to research of statistics and information, J.M.S. Except on 677 minutes L.A. Played on the court with Davis, Lakers minus 20.

Lakers coach Frank Vogel also advocated for James.

He said, “You guys all know how I feel about it.” “For me, he’s the league’s MVP this year. Giannis has no disrespect. Giannis had a season. He’s a great player. What LeBron does for my team is unparalleled.”

Before concluding his thoughts on the subject, James made it clear that his overall focus is on the success of the Lakers team.

“I mean, I’m fine. Don’t bend it,” James said. “I’m fine. We’re tied 1-0 in the Western Conference final. I’m fine. So don’t do that – I missed seeing the reaction when I first saw it. I’m great. Right now. I’m going back to my room. , Drink some wine and sleep very well tonight. Let’s not turn it down. I’m great. Only the turnout is a little weird. “