“You Wouldn’t Be Here If You Succeeded Against Nikola Jokic”: Richard Jefferson Brutally Goes At Tristan Thompson Following LeBron James And The Lakers Sweep

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are scheduled to make their first NBA Finals appearance tonight. They have had an exceptional season, followed by a great Playoff run. A run that was capped off by a Western Conference Finals sweep of LeBron James and the Lakers. A resounding victory that Richard Jefferson used to roast Tristan Thompson.

For those who don’t know, Thompson came out of retirement to play with the Lakers. All in the hopes of perhaps adding another ring to his fingers. However, he made just six appearances in the post-season, and his performances left a lot to be desired, especially in the games where he guarded Joker. In the playoffs, Thompson averaged 1.8 points and 1.7 rebounds.

Tristan Thompson’s failure against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets prompts a brutal roast from Richard Jefferson

Prior to the start of the 2023 Playoffs, the LA Lakers decided to bolster their roster. So, they called upon the services of the retired Tristan Thompson. Thompson, who had previously played with LeBron James on the Cleveland Cavaliers was gung ho about the idea and came out of retirement. However, he only played six games in the post-season, three of them against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. While his experience was invaluable, his performances were lackluster.

He recently made an appearance on ESPN alongside his good friend Richard Jefferson. Jefferson played alongside Tristan and LeBron in Cleveland and even won a championship together. But, that didn’t stop him from letting loose. He went in on Tristan reminding him that he failed and that he wouldn’t even be in the studio if he had just succeeded against the Joker.

Jefferson: “Now sometimes they say success and failure are tied together right? Failure can be as much of a lesson…so we’re here with someone that failed against Jokic and guarding him. 

Thomspon: “Oh wow!!”

Jefferson: “What bro? You wouldn’t be here if you had succeeded [against Nikola Jokic]!”

A brutal roast from someone Tristan considers a dear friend. But, that’s just who RJ is, a playful guy who does not hesitate to poke fun at others. Even those he may not be considered close with. Like when he questioned Jamal Murray about his abs.

Richard Jefferson once hilariously asked Jamal Murray if he had more abs than Jokic

Richard Jefferson is quite a knowledgeable basketball analyst. But, there are times when his questions are downright weird. One particular case would be an interview he had with Jamal Murray. While most of the questions were basketball-related, RJ came up with a question that was both awkward and hilarious.

He asked Murray who has more abs. Is it him or Nikola Jokic. And, as expected Jamal refused to dignify that question with a response.

Jamal Murray was understandably confused by that question. But, who can blame him? It’s all a part of that uncanny Richard Jefferson charm.