LeBron James Corrects Reporter From Adding Giannis Antetokounmpo to OG’s Group: “He Can’t Be in That Bucket Yet”

LeBron James made it to his 22nd All-Star game, but this time as a reserve after he had an injury-riddled season.

LeBron James Corrects Reporter From Adding Giannis Antetokounmpo to OG’s Group: “He Can’t Be in That Bucket Yet”

LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • LeBron James clarified that Giannis Antetokounmpo is too young to be considered part of the "OG" group alongside himself, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant.
  • He expressed a desire to enjoy life and basketball without focusing on retirement plans.
  • LeBron praised Anthony Edwards after his All-Star MVP performance, calling him a friend and a future star in the league.

Before playing in his record 22nd straight All-Star game, it was natural for reporters to ask LeBron James a series of questions, mostly pertaining to what it feels like playing at such a high level for so long.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar is not a stranger to such questions, and essentially has been answering them with the usual poise he has displayed whenever reporters assemble in front of him.

This time, while talking about stretching his record, the four-time champion was grateful, often acknowledging how he is blessed to be able to do this for so long.

Then, a reporter asked James what it feels like playing in these games alongside fellow OGs Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. To this, the King replied:

Well, Giannis is a lot different, and he’s a lot younger than us. So Giannis cannot be in that bucket just yet. It will be me, Steph, and KD for sure. Maybe Kawhi, but he’s still a little bit younger than us as well.

LeBron James said

It seems the 41-year-old wanted to clarify that someone who is more than a decade younger than him cannot be part of the group of OGs. Age-wise, the max he would allow Kawhi Leonard to be mentioned in the same sentence, but even that to him is a bit of a stretch.

Then, LeBron James went on to list the accomplishments, which by then had reiterated his points on why he did not think that Giannis Antetokounmpo was part of their illustrious group.

LeBron James wants to ‘enjoy life’ before announcing retirement

Towards the end of the above answer, LeBron James went on talking about how he, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant would be seemingly connected forever. Around this time, another reporter asked if he had a definite date for when he wants to leave the game.

I just want to live… When I know, you guys will know. I don’t know, I have no idea.

LeBron James replied

This answer is not very different from the tune he has been singing for the past few years. However, by adding the words, ‘I want to live,’ the Lakers superstar seemingly reminded the media that he just wants to enjoy life and playing basketball now.

It could be his way of shutting down retirement conversations, even though he did his part to fuel those rumors before the start of the season. LeBron James seems intent on finding joy in his life, rather than constantly thinking about retiring from the game he loves.

LeBron James gives Anthony Edwards praise following All-Star MVP

LeBron James did his part as his USA Stripes team reached the championship game. There, they would face Anthony Edwards and the young USA Stars team.

Anthony Edwards with the Kobe Bryant All-Star MVP award
Anthony Edwards with the Kobe Bryant All-Star MVP award (Image via Enfoque Nitcias/X)

Love Ant-Man. Everything about him. On the court, off the court. Happy for him, first of many All-Star MVPs for him… He’s got a fan in me and a friend in me for life.

LeBron James said

This was the four-time league MVP’s response when he was asked for an opinion on his Paris Olympics teammate. It seems the father of three is a big fan and is there to support the Minnesota Timberwolves superstar.

It is not unsurprising, as James has been in the four-time All-Star’s corner even when the latter defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs last season.

James expects Ant-Man, as he is affectionately known, to be a force in the league for years and could get many more All-Star MVPs in the future.

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