LeBron James channels ‘Gladiator’ in motivational Instagram message after playoff disappointment

LeBron James is out for vengeance after a disappointing end to the 2021 NBA Playoffs.

Following one of the worst playoff performances of his career, LeBron James issued a promise to Los Angeles Lakers fans and a warning to anyone who dares count him out. Alongside a video clip of Russell Crowe in ‘Gladiator’, James posted to Instagram saying “PROMISE YOU I WILL. Count me out if you want too!”

In the video, Crowe AKA Maximus tells Commodus “I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.”

LeBron James likens himself to Maximus in ‘Gladiator’

James and the Lakers struggled in the NBA title defense, losing 4-2 in the first round to the Phoenix Suns. Since then, fair or not, slander towards King James is nearing an all-time high. He was called out for lack of effort in the decisive Game 6. Even Magic Johnson kindly pointed out the Lakers underperformed. Over in the Empire State, petty fans went so far as to construct a memorial for James in the streets of New York City.

Suffice to say James captures the attention – good or bad – of basketball fans no matter what he does on the court. Statistically, he’s coming off one of the worst playoffs of his storied career. Remarkably, this is the first time James has ever lost in the first round. Beyond that, his 23.3 points per game was a career low. He struggled to get to the free throw line, and shot an awful 60.9% when he got there. In almost every statistical category, James performed worse in those six playoff games than his regular season averages.

For a guy known for turning it up a notch come playoff time, James simply was not himself against the Suns. But to anyone who thinks his reign is over, James served notice: count him out at your own peril.