Something unprecedented happened during this NBA season. For the first time in his 18-year career, LeBron James was sent home in the first round of the playoffs. Obviously, that's a big hit for the league in terms of ratings.

But for the press, that's just music to their ears, as they'll get to spend the next 3 plus months talking about how washed LeBron James is, how is this the beginning of his decline, and how he'll never make it back to the NBA Finals.

That's why the Los Angeles Lakers superstar shared a brief, yet strong message addressed to all those who believe that his time is coming, vowing of vengeance the best way he could: By quoting Russell Crowe in Gladiator.

LeBron James Quotes Gladiator, Vows Of Vengeance:

"I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next," read the video James shared on Instagram, captioned "PROMISE YOU I WILL. Count me out if you want too! #TheManInTheARENA #ThekidfromAKRON #SFG.

It's not like LeBron had a bad season at all. Despite his age and injury, he still managed to average 25.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 2.3 three-pointers per game on 51% shooting.

The Lakers could never shake off their injury woes throughout the season and that had a toll on their chemistry come playoff time. Also, they couldn't get past an inspired Phoenix Suns team that was simply better than them and that would've still had a strong chance to beat them if they were at full strength.

But you should know better than to count LeBron James or the Los Angeles Lakers out. He'll have a full summer to heal his body and get ready for next season, and the last time that happened he capped off the year with an NBA Championship.