LeBron James’ Message to Nikola Jokic After Historic Playoff Run

• LeBron James has heaped praise on Nikola Jokic for his performance in the Western Conference finals
• Jokic and the Denver Nuggets swept James' Lakers to eliminate them from the 2023 NBA playoffs
• The Serbian averaged a triple-double in the series

Los Angeles Lakers veteran, LeBron James has lauded Denver Nuggets center, Nikola Jokic for his phenomenal performance in the Western Conference finals.

Jokic and the Nuggets swept James and the Lakers to book their first-ever NBA finals berth. It was Denver's first sweep in their playoff history.

The Serbian big man was named MVP of the Western Conference Finals after averaging 27.8 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 11.8 assists. It was his eighth triple-double of the playoffs, breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s all-time record for the most triple-doubles in a single postseason.

In Game 4, the 28-year-old finished with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists in the Nuggets’ 113-111 series-clinching victory.

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It was only the third time the four-time NBA champion James has been swept in his 53 career playoff series and the first time he has been swept before the NBA Finals.

James praises Jokic

James had 31 points in the first half, a playoff career-high for a half, and 40 in Game 4. The 20-year veteran played all but four seconds in the game, per the Athletic.

He showered the Nuggets superstar with praise in his postgame interview.

“I know how great he is. I know how great Jokic is,” James said. “There are certain guys in this league that play the game a certain way, a certain way that I like to play the game as well, and he’s one of them...He sees plays before they happen. There’s not many guys in our league like that,” he said, via Denver Post.

He wasn't surprised by his display.

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“You already knew you was going against a beast once the series started… He’s special.”

Jokic makes history

Sports Brief earlier reported on Jokic breaking Wilt Chamberlain's triple-double record.

The Serbian now has eight triple-doubles this postseason, breaking the record for the most triple-doubles in a playoff run, which was set by Wilt Chamberlain in 1967.

Jokic is looking to cap off his phenomenal run in the postseason with his first-ever ring.