LeBron James has had a career and a life so far that many would like to have of their own. Yet, many fans of the basketball world throw hate towards his way, as he has entered the GOAT race. Now, as he looks to cement his legacy with a gold medal for Team USA at the Paris Olympics 2024, legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski has something to say about the NBA’s all-time scoring leader.
The former Team USA and Duke head coach was a guest on the show The Herd with Colin Cowherd. There, host Colin Cowherd asked the coach if he realized what kind of a player the Los Angeles Lakers superstar was. Krzyzewski shut down the detractors of LeBron James on the show.
He and Kobe were the two guys who were just above everyone in preparation. Physical, mental, you name it. For anyone who knocks LeBron in any way, they’re just crazy. We’re not gonna see anybody like him. He’s one of a kind. What he’s doing in the Olympics, his verve, his demeanor, his attitude. He helps his team by how he looks, not just how he plays. This guy has the face of a champion.
Mike Krzyzewski via The Herd with Colin Cowherd
The coach suggested he has those intangibles that only the best can ever possess. Having coached him and the late great Kobe Bryant and still considering him one of the best says a lot. LeBron James has been one of the best throughout the 21 seasons he has played in the NBA. As coach K said, the Lakers superstar built his game on his intelligence and preparation with some help from athleticism.
However, it was the combination of it all and the ability to stay conditioned even when approaching the ripe age of 40. Therefore, Mike Krzyzewski wants haters to embrace what he has done so far and is still doing at the Olympics. At this stage, many believe James has something more to offer.
LeBron James showing the world his abilities at age 40
Coach K talked about how the all-time leading scorer in NBA history has carried himself during the Paris Olympics 2024. The attitude and demeanor he talked about have slowly shown their effects on the way Team USA plays. It seems those attributes have been brushed off by his superstar teammates.
It has enabled them to dominate against the teams that ever so slightly scared them during the friendlies. It seems they have started to believe in the concept of playing smart when the team has so many weapons to unleash. Therefore, it remains clearly visible in the scoring and defensive efficiency of all the players.
Therefore, they are still fresher compared to other international players and can turn it up if required. LeBron James is truly a one-of-a-kind. Once he retires, the game will miss the superstar for whatever he has brought to the game.
In case you missed:
