Jerry West Defends LeBron’s Finals Record

As a member of the Golden State Warriors’ front office, Jerry West is hoping to beat LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals. If that happens, West will feel a kinship with James that few can relate to.

James is trying to avoid becoming the fourth player in Finals history to lose five series. No one lost more than West, whose 1-8 Finals record with the Los Angeles Lakers dogs him to this day. Because of that, West has found himself repeatedly defending James’ honor and did so again Saturday with the Warriors holding a 1-0 series lead.

“That’s the most ridiculous thing. If I were him, I’d probably want to strangle [detractors],” West said. “He’s carried teams on his shoulders. He’s been to the Finals six straight times. How many times has he been the favorite? None. Zero. Grossly unfair to him.”

Source: Brian Windhorst of ESPN