Jeff Teague boldly declared that LeBron James is not “playing for real” and criticized the four-time MVP’s lack of effort in the Game 4 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
On Sunday afternoon, James’ Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Timberwolves in a crucial Game 4, with Minnesota holding a slender 2-1 lead in the first-round matchup. Anthony Edwards proved to be the star, dropping 43 points in the stunning win that left the Lakers facing a premature postseason exit.
James dropped 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists in another dominant showing, while he appeared to prove he can still lay it all on the line when he dove for a loose ball and inadvertently tripped Edwards. It was a scary incident between the two Team USA gold-winning teammates.
However, Teague doesn’t buy it after the 40-year-old put up zero fourth-quarter points.
Speaking on his Club 520 podcast, Teague insisted James isn’t as engaged on the court as he has been in the past. He declared: “Bron ain’t playing for real no more, he ain’t. I’ve played against LeBron enough times, that —- don’t give a —- no more.”
While it might make sense that James cannot be compared to his younger self, he is still delivering at an unprecedented level given his age. But Teague broke down a key aspect regarding James’ Game 4 performance that led him to posit his theory.
James is one of the most accomplished and storied players in NBA history, who has performed at the highest level since entering the league as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 draft burdened with immense expectation. He has lived up to it and more, delivering four NBA championships and two MVP wins across three franchises.
He is certainly in play when it comes to the GOAT conversation, which means James’ fire surely remains as strong as ever as he tracks down Michael Jordan. Armed with Luka Doncic and an uncertain future surrounding the length of his career, James is a champion who wants to add as many Larry O’Brien Trophies to the locker as possible before he calls time on his career.
Known for the greatest 3-1 comeback in NBA Finals history, James will have to orchestrate another miracle to get the Lakers out of their Timberwolves-sized hole. Game 5 takes place at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, April 30
