Details of Barack Obama’s Secret Basketball Game with LeBron James Revealed

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has always held former President Barack Obama in high regard.

Details of Barack Obama’s Secret Basketball Game with LeBron James Revealed

LeBron James played basketball with Barack Obama at the White House (Image via FirstSportz)

In the 22 seasons LeBron James has been in the NBA, he has made quite a few friends and also quite a few enemies. Considering his nature as one who tries his best to avoid controversy, he has more of the former than the latter.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar might not be sitting on a beach drinking cocktails with all those with whom he has a friendly word. Those are reserved for the closest few, such as Draymond Green, who became one of his closest friends.

But when they compete, they are as competitive as two premier basketball players can be. Neither of them gives an inch, and James has felt the brunt of the Golden State Warriors’ star’s aggressive method of playing defense.

The 40-year-old has a similar relationship with former President Barack Obama. Whenever they meet, there is tremendous respect. James would usually have that, considering Obama’s stature. However, there was a time when the former President wanted the superstar and his teammates to play his team hard.

It was Carmelo, Magic Johnson, Alonzo Mourning, LeBron, D-Wade, Chris Bosh,… Hall of Famers. We lost the 1st two games, and President Obama says, ‘Guys, bring it in. As your commander in chief, I command you to not lose this last game.’

Shane Battier revealed on Pablo Torre Finds Out

This was 2-time champion Shane Battier, who was at then-President Barack Obama‘s 49th birthday, alongside all those NBA stars to play basketball games. Battier revealed that Obama wanted the opposition to play competitively, which led to those 1st two losses. Then in the 3rd one, after that pep-talk, they won, with Obama sinking the game-winning shot.

LeBron James met Barack Obama again nearly two years later

The pickup game between Barack Obama, LeBron James, and the other NBA stars happened in 2010. It would be another two years before James would meet the President again. However, for that to happen, as Shane Battier recalls, he had to perform in the biggest game of James’ life.

LeBron James with Barack Obama at the White House after winning the 2012 NBA title
LeBron James with Barack Obama at the White House after winning the 2012 NBA title (Image via Open Source/X)

Of anybody, LeBron knows he has the most at stake. He was very calm that day. Let me tell you that when that (guy) has that look, let’s go. There’s almost like an aura around him, I was like, this was unbelievable. It’s the greatest game I have seen anybody play.

Shane Battier said

The game that Shane Battier was referring to was Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals. The Boston Celtics had the series lead at 3-2, and the Miami Heat needed arguably LeBron James’ greatest ever performance to win.

As both Battier and host Pablo Torre agreed, had the Celtics won that game, James would not have had the career that he still has. After that game, James and his Miami Heat went on to win the 2012 NBA title, and hence met Barack Obama at the White House again for the championship celebration.

LeBron James still not decided on his future in the NBA

In 22 seasons, LeBron James has won 4 NBA titles and countless accolades. Now he is in his 40s and is still in good enough condition to continue playing. He wants to win a 5th title, but knows that the rigors of another season will be hard on him.

He made it clear that he wants to think about his future over the offseason. Many expect him to return for next season, which could also be his last. James will play in his 23rd season, and with the All-Star game in Los Angeles, it will be the perfect send-off for one of the greatest to ever play the game.

He hopes the Los Angeles Lakers can build a championship-contending team so that he can have a crack at that 5th title. If recent trade rumors end up becoming a reality, the franchise could be building a team that its leading superstar would like to be a part of.

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