Knicks Coach Has Message for LeBron James Ahead of Lakers Clash

New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown sent a message to Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James ahead of their showdown on Sunday.

After the Knicks' win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, Brown was asked about James, and he had nothing but praise for the player he once coached.

"He's got to be, if not the smartest guy I've been around in terms of fuel and stuff, he's top-three," Brown said. "Unbelievable talent. Unbelievable human being. He's done a lot for the community. He's done a lot for the NBA."

James is not only one of the best players to ever grace the hardwood, but certainly one of the smartest. Nobody knows that better than the longest tenured coach of his career.

LeBro n James and Mike Brown's History Together

Brown and James were together in Cleveland from 2005-10. He was known as a defensive-minded coach who helped the Cavaliers reach new heights. James had a lot to do with it, of course, but Brown also played a crucial role. The two were never able to get over the hump; however, they did make a Finals appearance and reach the Eastern Conference Finals twice.

With Retirement Looming, How Much Longer Can LeBron James Keep Defying Time?

James, 41, is in the 23rd season of his illustrious NBA career. The four-time NBA champion has done it all and seen it all in his career. It's still unclear when James will hang up his sneakers for good, as we are a little over halfway through the season.

Nonetheless, he is still playing at a high level for a Lakers team in the thick of things in the loaded Western Conference. The q uestion of when James will retire is on everyone's mind, and when the media asked Brown about it, he noted how James has earned the right to play for as long as he wants. 

"He's earned the right to play as long as he wants," Brown said. "He's definitely doing it, and he's doing it at a high level."

Has Mike Brown Already Put the Knicks Back on Top of the East?

Brown was hired by the Knicks last summer after they had fired Tom Thibodeau. The Knicks are Brown's fourth team he has coached in his career. The 55-year-old coach is also a former Lakers coach, coaching 71 games before being abruptly fired in the early days of the 2012-13 season. 

The Knicks are once again at the top of the East with a 30-18 record, which is good for the second seed.

The Lakers will travel to Madison Square Gard en to take on the Knicks for their lone trip of the season. Tip-off is at 4 PM ET.

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