LeBron James has experienced numerous ups and downs in the NBA.
The 40-year-old Los Angeles Lakers forward has won several accolades and secured four NBA championships, but has come up short on the big stage
On Thursday, James sat down with Steve Nash on the Mind the Game podcast and discussed the pressure he endured during his first season with the Miami Heat, specifically his 2011 NBA Finals meltdown against the Dallas Mavericks.
“My first year with the Heat, I wanted to win so bad that I also had the fear of letting so many people down,” James said.
The hours that I put into my craft, and the commitment to my craft wasn’t even a thought, and it should have been. It was more like, if I go out and make a mistake, I’ll let them down. Instead of just saying if you do, then so be it.”
As a free agent in 2010, James decided to ditch the Cleveland Cavaliers and sign with the Heat in a highly scrutinized move.
James’ confidence during his unforgettable speech regarding future championships alongside Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade suggested he was ready to roll in South Beach.
However, on the inside, the public is now aware that the 21-time All-Star was fearful that Year 1 with the Heat wouldn’t go as planned.
Miami advanced to the NBA Finals after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, and Chicago Bulls to begin the postseason.
Unfortunately, James and the Heat were outplayed by the Mavericks in the most critical playoff series of the season, resulting in a crushing second-place finish in 2011.
James was far from dominant against the Dirk Nowitzki-led Western Conference squad, averaging 17.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game in six contests, shooting 47.8% from the field and 32.1% from deep.
The former lottery pick went on to win two titles with Miami during the following three campaigns before winning one with the Cavaliers in 2016 and one with the Lakers in 2020.
Still, James hasn’t forgotten about his underwhelming 2010-11 season at his second NBA home.
