LeBron James won’t call this upcoming Finals against the Warriors his greatest challenge ever because, after all, he has already played a team with four Hall of Famers in the Finals before.
LeBron James won’t call the upcoming Warriors series his greatest challenge
These Finals might be one of the toughest things LeBron James has ever faced, but he won’t call it his toughest.
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On Monday, James remembered his times facing the San Antonio Spurs, who added Kawhi Leonard to their Big Three for 2013 and 2014. James called Leonard a future Hall of Famer, which is a huge sign of respect for 25-year-old who was an MVP finalist this season.
Here’s his answer transcribed.
It’s up there. Obviously, I mean, I played against four Hall of Famers as well, too. You know, with Manu, Kawhi, Tony, and Timmy D, on the same team. If you add Pop in there, that’s five. It’s going to be very challenging. Those guys are going to challenge me, they’re going to challenge our ball club. This is a high powered team.
James is right about Leonard, who is clearly headed straight towards the Hall of Fame with a couple more seasons like he has been having. He has a pretty good resume as it is — a Finals MVP, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and a top-three MVP finish this season. (Leonard is one of three finalists and expected to finish third behind Russell Westbrook and James Harden.)
As for the challenge part, that’s not quite right. The Spurs did have four Hall of Famers, but they were never all at their peaks at the same time. And while this Cavaliers team might be one of the best James has been a part of in his career, this Golden State team is a particular beast to face with four All-Stars and two MVPs.
Still, if I’ve learned anything over the past decade, it’s that you should never count out LeBron James.
