If anyone can sympathize with LeBron James when it comes to experiencing the pain of losing multiple NBA Finals, it's Jerry West.
West advanced to the finals on nine occasions with the Los Angeles Lakers, but has only one ring to show for it. James is competing in his seventh finals and sixth in a row, with a record of just 2-4.
When asked about James' struggles in capturing the Larry O'Brien trophy, the 14-time All-Star was quick to defend "The King."
"That's the most ridiculous thing," West said Saturday of James' critics. "If I were him, I'd want to strangle you guys."
As a member of both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, James has fallen at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs twice, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Warriors last season. His two wins came while suiting up in South Beach in 2012 and 2013 against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Spurs, respectively.
"How many times have they been the favorite? None. Zero," West said.
"The Logo" may be surprised to learn James-led teams in The Finals were favored against the Mavericks in 2011 and Spurs in 2013, according to OddsShark.com.
What bothers West the most is how skeptics use James' finals record as a means to tarnish his career, when the four-time MVP has done enough over the years to warrant consideration as one of the greatest talents in history.
"I don't want to sound like Donald Trump, but it's hard to believe that someone doesn't recognize that greatness," West added.
James barely missed out on a triple-double in Thursday's Game 1 against the Warriors, scoring 23 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out nine assists in a 15-point loss at Oracle Arena.