Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has been to plenty of NBA Finals throughout his career. Since entering the league in 2003, he’s appeared in 10 of them—starting with his first in 2007 and most recently in 2020.
There’s no telling whether he’ll make another Finals run. Whether he does or not, James has been in enough of them to offer meaningful advice to younger players now experiencing the same stage.
LeBron James’ Advice for Players Who Make the NBA Finals
While talking with Lakers alum Steve Nash—who never made it to the NBA Finals during his Hall of Fame career—on “Mind the Game,” James shared what he tells young players reaching the Finals.
“If I had to give one piece of advice though… just take full advantage of it because it’s not promised… that you can get there every year or multiple years. You just gotta take full advantage of it, but also keep the main thing the main thing,” James said.
He credited one key influence for helping him learn that lesson during his Miami Heat days.
“That’s one of the one things I learned from Pat Riley,” James said. “He just always would say, ‘Listen, we’re here for a reason. We’re here to do a job. Enjoy it, but keep the main thing the main thing.'”
James reached four straight NBA Finals with the Heat from 2010 to 2014. His shoutout to Riley was notable, given that their relationship reportedly soured after James left Miami in 2014.
James explained why maintaining that mindset is crucial at this stage.
“If you’re able to do that, it gives you even a little bit more than if your opponent is not keeping the main thing the main thing,” James said. “That’s why I’ve always tried to keep my guys focused on that. We’re here to do a job. We’re right here. It’s going to be the hardest possible four games that we can possibly win in your life. It’s never going to be a harder time in your life than right now, so let’s just keep the main thing the main thing.”
James has won four NBA titles in his career. While he’s 4-for-10 in Finals appearances, his mindset clearly helped him stay consistent during his peak years.
And with how the Lakers might shape up next season, it’s not impossible that he could chase a fifth—or even sixth—title before he retires. He might not be the team’s best player anymore, but his leadership could be what brings more banners to L.A.
