On that fateful night, Lakers fans' hopes were dashed as if they were hit by Murray's quasi-final three-pointer. This scene, if there is background music, should be the kind of soulful violin, however, the scene is only the sighs of the fans and the cheers of the rival Nuggets fans. James' eyes almost burst into flames, as if to say, "I really can't help it!" but it didn't work, the referee's whistle was frozen, and the Lakers' season was over.
Without waiting for the emotions on the court to cool down, James expressed his dissatisfaction directly to the referee, who believed that the opponent had committed a foul and was not whistled. However, the referee turned a deaf ear to James' protests and had no intention of changing the verdict. James' face was full of disbelief, as if to say, "Are you guys playing with me?" However, all to no avail, the whistle for the end of the game has sounded, the Lakers have been eliminated by the Nuggets, and the season is over.
At times like this, usually the stars greet each other, but James doesn't. He didn't talk to Nuggets players like Bushy or Murray, he just turned away from the court. This move is undoubtedly out of great disappointment and unwillingness. His mood is understandable, after all, from last season's Black Seven Miracle to this quick exit, it is difficult for any competitor to accept.
The fan buzz about the game doesn't just revolve around the game itself. Especially the free throw stat — the Lakers made 27 free throws in the game compared to the Nuggets' nine, which is a statistic to brag about, but it's ironic. Because the Nuggets' Jokic didn't even get a single free throw opportunity in the whole game, head coach Malone half-jokingly said in the post-game interview: "Jokic shot 100% of the free throws today - zero attempts, zero shots." That irony makes the Lakers' free-throw advantage seem more like a joke.
The cruelty of the playoffs is that there is no tomorrow. For the Lakers, it's not just the end of a season, it could be the end of an era. James' refusal to discuss next season's stay after the game has deepened speculation and concerns about his future. Fans have high hopes for players like Hachimura, Reaves and Vincent that the Lakers have brought in players who have what it takes to help the team challenge for another championship, but the reality is harsh.
As fans, we always expect miracles, but we also have to accept reality. In the face of a strong opponent like the Nuggets, the Lakers still can't escape defeat despite their efforts. Such an ending, although disappointing, also makes people look forward to James returning again and proving himself with his strength. And we, as spectators, can only look forward to next season, hoping that the Lakers can get back up again and face all the challenges.
In this way, the game is not just a basketball game, it is a story of dreams, hopes, failures and perseverance. James' departure is perhaps the best summary of the season. And we, as big fans of basketball and the Lakers, can only continue to support them and look forward to more victories in the coming year.
In this time of debate, I want to ask readers, do you think James will continue to play for the Lakers, or will he look for a new challenge?