“My mindset is always locked in as if it's a Game 1” – LeBron James on potentially erasing a 0-3 deficit

LeBron James isn't giving up on the LA Lakers title hopes, despite the team trailing the Denver Nuggets 3-0 in the conference finals. The Lakers lost 118-109 in Game 3 on Saturday and are a loss away from getting eliminated. The Nuggets have outplayed them in all three games in the clutch.

James has been the focal point of many unlikely comebacks previously, including the 2016 finals when the Cleveland Cavaliers were down 3-1 to the 73-9 Golden State Warriors. However, the Lakers are yet to scratch in this series. Nevertheless, James' mindset is the same as entering Game 4 as if it's a Game 1. Here's what he said after Saturday's loss (via NBA TV):

"My mindset is always locked in as if it's a Game 1."

The LA Lakers had a 0.3% chance to make the playoffs this year after starting the season 2-10. They've come a long way after making the conference finals. They've beaten the odds at every stage, but a comeback in the conference finals seems unlikely.

No team has managed to overturn a 3-0 deficit. LeBron James, 38, is in year 20 and hasn't looked the same as his previous playoff runs, averaging 23.5 points on 45/23/77 splits. He may have staged historic comebacks previously, but pulling off another one seems far-fetched at this stage of his career with his current performances.

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LeBron James' foot injury might have hampered his game in the 2023 playoffs

LeBron James had a solid regular season, averaging 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game. The LA Lakers star defied "father time" with his performances again. However, a foot injury that may require surgery in the offseason seems to have slowed him down in the playoffs.

He sustained the injury in late February but returned with eight games left to bolster the team's hopes of qualifying for the playoffs. James returned much earlier than expected, considering his injured foot had a torn tendon.

James revealed that most doctors suggested surgery for him to recover. He could undergo surgery this offseason. Looking at his performances in the playoffs, it seems James hasn't fully recovered from the injury and has been playing through pain.

Unlikely his previous playoff runs, LeBron James has surprisingly taken a more off-the-ball approach in these playoffs. He has taken over only when his teammates have struggled to make an impact offensively. James has settled for more jump shots, which is unlike him, especially in the postseason.

He hasn't driven the ball to the rim as much due to his foot, which has potentially slowed him down.