“James Harden Robbed LeBron James”: LA Rams’ Puka Nacua Makes His Stand Clear on NBA’s Controversial MVP Moment

As the offseason unfolds, Rams players are seizing the opportunity to take a breather, engaging in some much-needed rest and recuperation. In the meanwhile, they’re also setting their sights on coming back stronger for the upcoming season. One player in particular, wide receiver Puca Nacua is taking this time off and sharing his experience as a rookie in the NFL across podcasts and shows.

In the latest episode of The Rush podcast by Raiders DE Maxx Crosby, he delved into his admiration for basketball legend, LeBron James. The rookie recounted an exhilarating moment at a game he had attended where he was in close proximity to the Lakers star. He mused, “Do I just stand up and be like, ‘Bro, I love you dude!’?” Then the conversation moved into James’ standout seasons and a certain MVP title he lost.

Puka Nacua’s favorite LeBron James seasons

Nakua mused on the various epochs of LeBron’s illustrious career. He deliberated on what could be deemed the pinnacle of LeBron’s journey, ultimately highlighting two significant phases. “2013 LeBron is just heat,” he asserted, marking it as a period of intense brilliance. Yet, it was the “grown man Bron” of 2018 that Nakua deemed as the embodiment of mastery over the game, despite losing the championship that year.

The conversation took a sharp turn towards the contentious MVP debate of 2018, where Nakua voiced a strong opinion, stating, “James Harden robbed Bron of the MVP that year.” Nakua firmly believed in LeBron’s unparalleled prowess during that season. And numbers would support his opinion.

King James showcased an exceptional performance, notching up an average of 27.5 points per game—his highest since 2010—alongside 8.6 rebounds and 9.1 assists. Demonstrating remarkable efficiency, he shot an impressive 54% from the field. In contrast, Harden, managed a 44% shooting rate, concluding the season with an average of 30.4 points per game. Yet, when it came time to bestow honors, the decision swung in Harden’s favor. And the others on the podcast seemed to agree with Nacua.

Considering his rookie season, it seems he will be soaring even higher as the years go by. Maybe one day he’ll get to meet his hero as well. And it’s not just Puka who’s making waves in the football world. His brother is on a similar track as well.

Puka’s brother chooses UFL over NFL

The eight-team UFL league, a blend of USFL and XFL teams, has thrown the doors wide open for another electrifying season, offering players a golden opportunity to showcase their talents and catch the eye of NFL scouts. Among these hopefuls was Kai Nacua, the elder brother of Puka.

Kai, a defensive stalwart for the Michigan Panthers, is gearing up for his debut against the St. Louis Battlehawks. Despite going undrafted in 2017, Kai’s journey through the NFL has been a rollercoaster of experiences. He made notable stints at teams like the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and most recently, the New York Jets.

As Kai takes to the field, there’s an air of anticipation around whether this familial flair for defying odds will see him through to new heights in his football career as well.

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