LeBron James, Anthony Davis Reject Idea Lakers Are Playing With ‘House Money’

Los Angeles has gone from 2–10 to the precipice of the NBA Finals.

After the first 12 games of the 2023 season, few expected the Lakers to get to this point.

Los Angeles opened this year by floundering to a 2–10 start, parking itself in a tie for last place in the Western Conference on Nov. 11. However, the Lakers closed the season on a 41–29 tear, dispatched the Grizzlies in the first round, and are headed to the Western Conference finals after beating the Warriors 122–101 Friday night to end their six-game series.

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It would be easy for star forwards LeBron James and Anthony Davis to reflect on their accomplishments, but they dismissed such suggestions after their victory when asked whether they felt like they were playing with “house money.”

“Nah,” James said. Imitating forward Jarred Vanderbilt, he continued: “As Vando would say, ’Nah.’ We’re trying to win every year.”

“That’s y’all expectations,” Davis added. “Our expectations inside are high.”

Reporter: "Do you feel like you're playing with house money [as far as outside expectations]?"

LeBron James: "Nah. As Vando would say, 'Nah.' We're trying to win every year."

Anthony Davis: "That's y'all expectations. Our expectations inside are high."

(via @michaelcorvoNBA) pic.twitter.com/jGfhrncaYm

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 13, 2023

Only the Nuggets stand between Los Angeles and another trip to the NBA Finals. The two teams' hotly anticipated showdown is set to open Tuesday evening in Denver.