“No.1 in the West”: LeBron James Silences Critics and Haters With a Solid Response

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James talked about the race for the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award this season. And while doing so, he ensured that he addressed critics of his game, especially those who doubt his capabilities in the Western Conference.

Prior to the league’s suspension, the Lakers were on top of the Western Conference with 49 wins. They had the best record in the NBA after Milwaukee Bucks. James felt his team’s position is a good indicator of his position in the MVP race.

“As far as the MVP race, I think, to show what I am capable of doing, not only individually but from a team’s perspective- us being No.1 in the West,” he said as per a video obtained from ESPN.

He later went on Twitter as well to explain his frustration.

LeBron James proves himself in the Western Conference

In his 17 years in the NBA, James has won four MVP awards. Before joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, he has always played in the Eastern Conference. All his previous MVP awards came while he was playing for teams in the Eastern Conference. He started his career in 2003 with his hometown, Cleveland Cavaliers, in 2003.

He won his first MVP award six years later, playing for the same team in 2009. He won his second award the next year, at the peak of his career. He moved to Miami Heat in 2010.

James moved to Miami Heat in 2010, leading the team to two consecutive titles in 2012 and 2013. He also won the league MVP and the Finals MVP for the two seasons. He later moved back to the Cavaliers to win another title before signing for the Lakers in 2018.

While he has spent most of his career in the Eastern Conference, a few criticized him, saying he wouldn’t have achieved the same in what they believed was a tougher Western Conference.

With his performances this year, James believed he had proven them wrong.

“There was a lot of conversation about LeBron can do those things in the East but if he ever came to the West, what can he do? I’ve heard all of that and to be able to have our team at the top of the Western Conference and playing the way we were playing at that time and the way I was playing, that’s definitely a good feeling,” James said.