LeBron James shares lesson from Pat Riley about what it takes to win in the NBA Finals

The 2025 NBA Finals continue to deliver elite, high-intensity basketball, as the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder battle in a series that feels destined to be decided by the smallest of margins. Amid the action, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James—no stranger to this stage—offered perspective from his decorated career, including lessons learned from Miami Heat executive Pat Riley.

Ahead of Game 3 between the Pacers and Thunder, James appeared on the “Mind the Game” podcast to share advice for players competing in the NBA’s biggest spotlight. Reflecting on his time under Riley’s mentorship, James emphasized the importance of focus and seizing the moment when playing for a championship.

“If I had to give one piece of advice,” James said, “as much as it is annoying, you take full advantage of it—because it’s not promised you can get there every year or multiple years.” He added that the Finals require a balance between savoring the moment and staying locked in. “Enjoy it, but keep the main thing the main thing. If you can do that, it gives you an edge if your opponent isn’t doing the same.”

James famously joined the Miami Heat in 2010, where he won two titles under the leadership of Pat Riley. That chapter in his career shaped his championship mentality. “He taught me how to win,” James said, underscoring the critical role Riley played in his transformation from a rising talent into a perennial champion.

Naturally, James didn’t sugarcoat the challenge of the Finals, calling it the most grueling stretch of the entire season. While he acknowledged the excitement and privilege of playing for a ring, he also warned of the distractions that come with the grand stage—media attention, spectacle, and heightened pressure.

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“These are going to be the hardest four games you’ll ever try to win in your life,” James said. “It’s not going to feel like a normal game. It might feel like an All-Star weekend—or worse, a business production. But you’ve got to embrace it without letting it throw you off.”

James even compared the NBA Finals atmosphere to the Super Bowl, citing comments from NFL players who admitted they disliked the event despite winning it. “They said it didn’t feel like a game—it felt like a business show,” James explained. “That’s what the Finals can feel like too, but I’ll tell you this: it is still fun. It’s very fun.”

Few in league history have experienced the Finals more than LeBron James. The four-time champion has appeared in 10 NBA Finals, including eight straight from 2011 to 2018. In 55 career Finals games, James has averaged 28.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists, cementing his legacy as one of the most prolific postseason performers the league has ever seen.