LeBron James names former Lakers teammate alongside Anthony Edwards as likeliest to make NFL transition
LeBron James is certain that NBA stars Russell Westbrook and Anthony Edwards would make good football players.
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LeBron James is confident Russell Westbrook and Anthony Edwards can have an immediate impact in the NFL (Image Credits: Background Image via Open Source, Image in top right via UCLA, Image in bottom right via Open Source)
There has been an ongoing debate between NBA and NFL players regarding which of the two sports is classified as more grueling. While basketball gains the edge in this regard as the sport requires athletes to play both defense and offense, the burning question remains the same- ‘Can NBA athletes play in the NFL or vice versa?” There have been a lot of disputing opinions on this coming from individuals of either sport.
LeBron James, one of the greatest players to step on a basketball court voiced his thoughts on this subject in his latest appearance on the New Heights Show with Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce. The King believes that NBA players are more likely to succeed in a transition to the NFL rather than a football player attempting to switch over to basketball.
While on this topic, he was asked to name his choice of NBA players who could have done great in the NFL. LeBron James had the answer to this right on top of his head.
I would say Russell Westbrook or Anthony Edwards. I think Russ could be an unbelievably strong safety or free safety, you know his ability to kind of like (play defense) and Russ, he comes with that natural aggression off-the-top. That Derwin James-type aggression. He’s trying to hit somebody.
James said.
Bron gave his former teammate some love by expressing his confidence in his abilities to achieve success as a football player.
LeBron James is confident he would have been able to play as a receiver in the NFL
In addition to Westbrook, James named Timberwolves’ guard Anthony Edwards as another player who can make it in the NFL.
I’ve seen a lot of his little league football highlights and also I think he played in high school as well. He look like he could make the transition as well but off the top I think Russ for sure.
James added.
Edwards was a football player early on but eventually moved to basketball.
The shooting guard has claimed that he is athletic and capable enough of making it in the NFL. During a shoot with Vikings’ Justin Jefferson, Edwards had revealed that it would not take him much effort to come in and play safety in the NFL. He went on to confidently claim that he could guard Derrick Henry! The running back laughed at his confidence.
As for Russell Westbrook, there is no arguing with LeBron there. The man is a beast and his ridiculous athletic abilities combined with his tendency to go all-out on each play would make him a perfect football player.
LeBron James shared his intention to play football at the highest level. He revealed that a switch to wide receiver was a real possibility during the 2011 NBA lockout but fortunately, he made the decision to stick to a sport he had experience being elite at.
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Sumedh Joshi
(2238 Articles Published)