The Los Angeles Lakers suffered another brutal loss at the hands of the Denver Nuggets as they failed to stop Jamal Murray from making his game-winning shot. The loss was so devastating that even Laker legend Magic Johnson had to take a break to process the defeat before sharing his thoughts on social media.
However, sentiments like Magic’s aren’t the only opinions being discussed online. Some sections of fans took the opportunity to question whether LeBron James is the greatest basketball player to ever play after losing another game to the Nuggets. They even brought Michael Jordan’s name into the conversation.
James had a decent game if you look at the box score. He finished the game with 26 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists, two steals and two blocks. Moreover, He shot 9 for 19 on the floor and 3 of 6 from deep. Isolating these numbers, it’s clear that LeBron had a great individual performance.
However, fans wouldn’t forget how he’s failed to win against the Denver Nuggets over the past couple of years now. They’re openly questioning whether James has the clutch gene like Michael Jordan.
Per Kameron Duncan of The Spun:
“Michael Jordan would’ve never lost 10 straight against the Nuggets though. Just putting that out there,” one fan said.
“Jordan would never,” another fan said, referring to James missing a three late in the fourth quarter that would have given the Lakers the lead.
“Jordan would’ve never missed that wide open shot LeBron had,” said one fan.
“UP 20 AND LOSE…. JORDAN WOULD NEVER,” one fan added, referring to the Lakers’ blown lead on Monday.
“LeBron settling for a 3 with the game on the line…. Jordan would never,” another fan noted.
Legacy is becoming more important for a player like James as he nears his final NBA game. While he’s had his fair share of clutch moments over his career, it’s undeniable that he wasn’t able to stop the Purple and Gold’s collapse.
James and the Lakers now have the tough task of winning two consecutive games to even the playing field. However, this may be too difficult of a challenge for them to overcome.
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