NBA icon Jerry West gave his full support to LeBron James and slammed his detractors who always want more from the Cleveland Cavaliers star.
West, a member of the Golden State Warriors organization, was at practice today. He was quite candid about how he’d respond if he were LeBron, whose detractors in the media never seem to quit.
“That’s the most ridiculous thing. If I were him, I’d want to strangle you guys,” West said, per Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News.
Afterwards, West threw a jab Donald Trump’s way when he added, “I don’t want to sound like Donald Trump but it’s hard to believe that someone doesn’t recognize that greatness.”
West has quite a good point. James has now been to six straight NBA Finals and has won two championships (back-to-back in 2012-13). Not only that, but James almost always plays his best when his team needs him the most. Throughout his career, he’s averaged 27.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.8 steals and nearly a block per game in the playoffs.
It’s not often players actually live up to their potential, but James has done it, make no mistake.
West himself, the man who is literally the icon of the Association, has only won a single NBA championship. He went one-for-nine in his career in the NBA Finals, winning his only title in 1972. With that in mind, it’s no wonder he is so fired up about James’ detractors, who definitely won’t quit if the Cavs don’t win the 2016 NBA Finals.