LeBron James won his first two NBA titles with the Miami Heat. As part of the Big 3 including himself, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, they were looking to fight for more. That was also the intent of franchise President Pat Riley when he put the team together.
LeBron James was the alpha dog on that Miami Heat. As one of NBA’s biggest superstars, it also meant he could get some respite from standard franchise rules. For instance, he had his own personal chef and trainer back then when the rest made use of team facilities.
As diligent as he is regarding his conditioning, the now four-time champion has a soft corner for one particular dish. Chocolate chip cookies happen to be that one indulgence LeBron James has not sacrificed. Moreover, he takes a bite or two after he felt his performances deserved it.
But Miami Heat President Pat Riley has built a reputation for enforcing strict rules which his players have to follow. Former Heat star Greg Oden was asked about that one particular incident where James’ cookies were taken away on Riley’s orders while on Gil’s Arena.
They took our food away after the game and we paid for it. So, when we got on the plane Bron started walking up and down the plane, ‘Hey everybody take off your headphones. If you ain’t one of these fifteen, I’m giving y’all permission to slap food out their hand. Don’t touch this food, this our food.’
Greg Oden on Gil’s Arena
Greg Oden tells infamous story of Pat Riley taking LeBron’s cookies 🍪😭 pic.twitter.com/9oNOiRVA29
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) November 19, 2024
By this revelation, it became clear that Pat Riley’s rules had ticked LeBron James off. First to take away his cookies and then take away the food all the players had already paid for. Such was his speech that two players in particular were fired up.
Greg Oden reveals which players acted on LeBron James’ words
Hearing this brought out a bout of laughter from the panel of Gil’s Arena. However, they were also inquisitive if any players bought into LeBron James’ words and decided to act on it. Greg Oden went on to reveal.
Ray Allen over there like, ‘You don’t see this’. Michael Beasley, right there in front of the assistant GM Big Andy. He was like, ‘Andy, don’t make me do this’. He had me crying.
Greg Oden on Gil’s Arena
To the panel of Gil’s Arena, this was a funny moment. But Pat Riley’s rules can overwhelm some players. However, the Akron native being who he is, decided to speak up. After all, he was still unhappy about the cookies. At the end, it was Pat Riley who stood firm.
His policies remain in effect today, requiring players to maintain certain physical attributes. Taking away that junk food was part of his efforts to instill that. Those rules have paid off as the expansion franchise has three NBA championships and multiple playoff appearances to show.
