LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 04: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a call during the second half against the Miami Heat in Game Three of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 04, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
LeBron James walked off the court before the end of Sunday’s Game 3.
The Miami Heat got a heroic performance from Jimmy Butler in Game 3 to take down the Los Angeles Lakers and make the series competitive again at 2-1. Butler went wild for 40 points and finished with a triple-double to shine as the star of the game.
LeBron James had himself a usual night with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. He just didn’t get much help from Anthony Davis and the Heat held on late for the 115-104 victory. James appeared frustrated throughout the game and that boiled over with a few seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
LeBron James was ready to leave early
The simple explanation here is James thought the clock would expire. Instead, the shot clock expired first and the Lakers needed a full squad of five on the floor for the final possession of the game.
Storylines can be brought up of this being a bad look for LeBron. However, it is hard to fault his frustration after his team got beaten down by Butler on a night when Miami was without both Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic.
James’ plus-minus on the night was the best among Lakers starters at minus-4. Davis was at minus-26 while Butler finished the night at plus-20 for Miami.
James remains a polarizing figure for some NBA fans. There are those who believe he can do no wrong, and others who look for anything to latch onto in a negative way. Walking off the court early during Game 3 is not too controversial and the Heat better watch out in Game 4. James is clearly frustrated and that is never a good sign for opposing teams.