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LeBron James has had incredible playoff runs. The most memorable was arguably the 2016 NBA Finals. JJ Reddick believes James was at his best during the 2018 postseason.
James has made 15 postseason appearances in his 19-year career. In that period, he has featured in 10 finals appearances.
With James entering year 20, LA Lakers fans are hoping he will lead them to another championship run. Although James has successfully fended off Father Time this long, it is safe to say he is no longer in his prime.
On "The Old Man and the Three," Victor Oladipo gave some insight into what it was like playing against James in the playoffs. The topic surrounding James started when the Miami Heat guard was asked what he had picked up from James in the 2018 Cleveland Cavaliers-Indiana Pacers series.
Oladipo spoke about how experience is more important in winning. After breaking down the entire series, he said:
(From 56:00)
"They ended up beating us. It was tough. I was really upset, but you know it was a great experience to go against someone like that, you know, I'm saying? And to be matched up and like against the best player in the world and going toe-to-toe with them. Yeah, that was a different type of drug for sure."
Reddick chipped in at the end, saying James single-handedly willed the team to the finals.
"That '18 LeBron was different. Like he willed that team. That was one of the... I don't know what we'll have to ask Bron someday what he thinks Peak LeBron is, but yeah, that was as impressive of a playoff runs as I've seen.
The Cavs ended up losing the finals to the Golden State Warriors. Although LeBron James outscored everyone in the series, his efforts were not enough as the Warriors swept the Cavs to defend their 2017 title.
Can LeBron James win another NBA title?
It was ill-advised to bet against LeBron James in his younger years, as he was renowned for leading average teams to deep playoff runs. But with age, James is no longer the force he once was.
With James, championship contention is always expected. The four-time NBA champ has shown that he still has the hops, averaging 30.3 points last season.
Although the Lakers hope to contend for the 2023 title, the onus is on Anthony Davis. The big man's presence on both ends of the floor is key to the Lakers having a successful campaign.
Nonetheless, the Lakers are confident that they have a great group. They acquired Patrick Beverley and a host of younger players to improve their defense and athleticism.
Last season, they relied on experience, but that experience failed woefully. The Lakers missed the playoffs, despite James' brilliance.
The Lakers will start their 2022-23 campaign on October 18 against the Warriors. Their display in that first game will give fans an idea of what to expect for the rest of the season.
