Tom Weller/VOIGT/GettyImages
After leading Team USA to a gold medal at the Paris Olympics this summer, LeBron James earned some high praise from Los Angeles Lakers governor Jeanie Buss.
While discussing the upcoming Lakers season with Chuck Schilken of the L.A. Times, Buss said she believes James' Olympic performance solidifies his case as the NBA's GOAT.
"I'm excited to see what our new coach, JJ Redick, has in store. It's definitely gonna be an interesting season for sure," Buss said. "I mean, LeBron, the way he played at the Olympics? He might be the greatest of all time."
James averaged 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 8.5 assists to help lead Team USA to its fifth straight men's basketball gold medal. It's his third career Olympic gold medal and fourth overall.
The four-time NBA champion is set to enter the 22nd season of his legendary career and he will turn 40 years old in December. Still, James has shown no signs of slowing down and hopes to help put the Lakers in a position to compete for an NBA title. Buss said she expects no less.
"He consistently delivers. He puts in the work. He's not only a worldwide brand, but he is our leader. He's the captain of our team and he sets the tone, sets the pace by putting in the hard work," Buss said. "Nobody can complain about the work if you see somebody with his résumé and his longevity of career, nobody can complain about having to practice if he's willing to do it. And he does. ... In terms of my expectations for the team, I can sit here and tell you — Lakers always play for a championship, as we know, between Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson and Phil Jackson and Pat Riley and Dr. Buss. That's who we are"
The Lakers retained most of their core from last year while adding some youth with 2024 first-round pick Dalton Knecht and second-round pick Bronny James, the 20-time All-Star's son.
As James enters the twilight of his career, he's hoping to end on a high note, and a fifth championship would be the perfect way to ride off into the sunset.
No comments:
Post a Comment