Jerry West knows a lot about losing in the NBA Finals. The man on the league's logo made it to the championship series nine times, and only came away with one title.
The eight series losses weren't necessarily his fault; in fact, he's the only player in NBA history to win the Finals MVP for a losing team. So he understands how the Cavs' LeBron James, who is playing in his sixth consecutive NBA Finals and seventh overall, feels.
MORE: Ranking key Finals players | Tyronn Lue asking Cavs to play into Warriors hands
James has come away with just two titles, and his lack of more championships is something that's always held over his head.
Whenever he's compared to Michael Jordan, people will always point to the championships — as highlighted in the film "Bad Teacher".
"That's the most ridiculous thing," West said of James' critics. "If I were him, I'd want to strangle you guys."
MORE: Ranking every NBA Finals rematch
West added that James has carried teams he's played on to their title appearances. Even when he gets there, he usually plays well. Just last season, James nearly averaged a triple double against the Golden State Warriors as he tried to take over without Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. The Cavs will try to avoid an 0-2 series deficit to the Warriors when the Finals resume Sunday.
The man on the NBA logo makes some good points, but it likely won't stop people from criticizing James' championships.
