LeBron James on losing to Nuggets: 'You just feel like s**t' / News - Basketnews.com

James felt a couple of episodes could've turned the series around, and the Lakers could've won. He now admits feeling tremendously bad, having let an opportunity to defeat the reigning champions in the First Round go.

Credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix Credit Matthew Stockman/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets in the First Round of the NBA Playoffs this year and were eliminated from title contention. It still hurts, LeBron admitted.

Free throws this season

78%18,8Points made:18,8Accuracy:78,2%Place in standings:3Record max:38Record min:4Most made FTs:Anthony DavisTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

In the latest episode of the Mind the Game Pod w/ LeBron James and JJ Redick, the Lakers superstar revealed he felt tremendous regret not having won the series despite having multiple chances to win games.

"We had so many opportunities, man. To lose in five, two of them being game-winners by Jamal and his greatness. We had so many opportunities. Obviously, being 20 in Game 2 in their building and losing that game, having so many opportunities in other games, you just feel like sh*t," James said. "One play here, one play there could've made one hell of a difference, but when you're playing against a team like that, you have zero room for error. I believe we made too many errors in some of the games."

"I've seen some crazy-ass stat about the minute that we were leading in this series compared to losing in the series, but we both know - that's a little bit of a fool's gold because most games come down to one or two, three or four possessions. If you're not able to capitalize off of those possessions or make plays during those possessions, that's how you lose games," LeBron explained. "Emotionally, I feel like we were right there in every game to be able to steal a game. But also at the same time, we weren't, and that's why we lost the series. Shit hurts, obviously, being the competitor that I am."

The Lakers lost Games 2 and 5 by only two points each, with Nuggets guard Jamal Murray hitting two clutch game-winners.

"F**k man, I feel a couple of plays there, a couple of plays here, we could've won the series," LeBron said. "The better team won, the better team won, for sure. Give credit where credit is due."

Full episode of the podcast:

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