Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, victorious in the very first NBA Cup on Saturday against Indiana in Las Vegas, where he dreams of owning a franchise, praised the “defensive intensity” of his team during the final.
You are playing your fifth season with Anthony Davis, exceptional in the final, what does he mean to you?
Everything, especially in the latter part of my career, to have a young, hungry, alpha male who can do that kind of thing. It gives me the opportunity to see him grow, while trying to inspire him, and vice versa. I have the impression that when we are both on the court in good health we know exactly what we are capable of, we have played so many matches together, shared too many good moments not to trust each other.
Does this victory give you confidence for the end-of-season play-offs?
It’s too far in my opinion. You have to remember that it’s only December. We are happy with what we are capable of today, but we must continue to improve and stay healthy. I’m not thinking about May or June. There are still too many steps to take to be the team we want to be in the playoffs. But I liked the way we played Thursday in the semi-final and then tonight. Our defensive intensity has allowed us to win high-level matches in recent weeks. Each game of this NBA Cup made us grow. We won 7 out of 7 matches, each time high intensity matches. The guys felt more and more confident in their roles.”
After three days in Las Vegas, do you still see the city as a future NBA city?
My opinion has not changed. After my career I always want to bring a team here. The fans are incredible. They already have everything: a women’s franchise, a baseball team soon, American football, Formula 1 was there the week of Thanksgiving. It’s a city that loves big events, the NBA would be a real plus.
Comments collected at a press conference.
