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LOS ANGELES — The Lakers’ 127-97 Game 3 win over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday meant that for the second consecutive series, Los Angeles started with a win, followed with a loss and then responded with another victory to go up 2-1.
With Los Angeles seemingly on a seesaw — losing by 27 on Thursday only to win by 30 two days later — LeBron James is urging his teammates to ignore the outside noise that comes in the aftermath of every game result.
“For the young guys that haven’t been a part of the postseason or haven’t had much experience in the postseason, just stay off the TV and stay off social media,” James advised after putting up 21 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. “You win a game, everybody is the greatest player in the world; you lose a game, they’re throwing dirt on you. It’s literally that simple. It’s all about training your mind for the next challenge. And, ‘What’s the next challenge? This game is over with, we played well. OK, cool. But we got another on Monday.'”
Anthony Davis has become the face of the Lakers’ postseason ups and downs, with some fans suggesting his nickname, AD, stands for “alternate days,” because of the disparity in his play from night to night.
While it’s only been nine games so far — a small sample size compared to the consistency he showed averaging 25.9 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 56 games in the regular season — the hot and cold play continued for Davis on Saturday.
He opened the series, notably, with 30 points and 23 rebounds in a Game 1 win. He followed with 11 and 7 in a Game 2 loss. And then it was 25 points and 13 rebounds in Game 3.
Davis, after the Lakers improved to 6-3 in the playoffs — 10 wins away from the title — said he hasn’t heard any critiques of his…
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