Doc Rivers gets real about LeBron James’ longevity and his hardwork behind-the-scenes
Lakers star LeBron James received huge praise from renowned NBA coach Doc Rivers during a press conference recently.
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LeBron James and Doc Rivers
Many players come and go in the NBA throughout their careers. However, a few remain showcasing their unmatched longevity in the sport and the league. It’s safe to say that the Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is one of them. James has been playing for over 20 years in the league and has been dropping consistent performances every season.
Even NBA coach Doc Rivers chimed in on this topic lately. Rivers has 25 years of NBA coaching experience. LeBron James was possibly the only player he had to deal with for over 20 years as a coach. During a news conference, Rivers highlighted the factor that sets James apart in terms of longevity in the sport.
What LeBron [James] is doing… I just don’t see it… We’ve never seen anybody like LeBron. LeBron is deadly serious about taking care of his body. Most people wouldn’t do what LeBron does off the floor and that’s why they don’t last. LeBron has decided to do it all, and that’s why he lasts.
Doc Rivers told the media
“LeBron is deadly serious about taking care of his body. Most people wouldn't do what LeBron does off the floor and that's why they don't last. LeBron has decided to do it all.”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 13, 2024
Doc Rivers on LeBron James' longevity.
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/NwP09fraKX
In his coaching tenure, Doc Rivers has faced James 48 times and has a 20-28 record against the ‘King’. Rivers hasn’t had much of an opportunity to fight back against the NBA star. This states that he has gotten the better of Rivers multiple times.
However, James did face challenges with teams coached by Rivers, who led two excellent squads. First, from 2008 to 2012, Rivers coached the Boston Celtics, a team that dominated the Eastern Conference after making major moves in 2007 to acquire Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. The Celtics defeated James and the Cleveland Cavaliers twice in the postseason, in 2008 and 2010. Despite their competitive history, Rivers and James hold each other in high regard, as evidenced by the coach’s recent comments.
Lakers HC JJ Redick has no ‘update’ on LeBron James’ return to team
When the Los Angeles Lakers played the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, LeBron James wasn’t wearing a uniform. In addition, they lost badly, 87-97, at the Target Center without their best player playing.
Whether his star forward will return to the team is unknown to head coach JJ Redick as he responded to the media with a short answer about James’ return after the game.
No
JJ Redick when asked about LeBron James rejoining the team next game
Lakers coach JJ Redick was asked if he knew when LeBron would rejoin the team.
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) December 13, 2024
“No.”
Left it at that.
The Lakers faced the Timberwolves after a four-day vacation, and James missed his second consecutive game due to foot pain.
This week, the NBA’s best scorer was excused from the team for “personal reasons,” as coach JJ Redick announced on Wednesday. It’s uncertain if James will even travel the short distance to the Lakers’ upcoming Sunday home game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
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Kartik Mudaliar
(844 Articles Published)