NBA – Annoyed, LeBron settles scores with former players: “They talk so much sh*t”

Par Joël Pütz | Journaliste sportif

It’s nothing new; most former NBA players aren’t particularly keen on his evolution. But the constant criticism is starting to get on the nerves of today’s stars. LeBron James, in particular, responded harshly.

What is the current state of the NBA? This is a particularly thorny question. While the league itself is thriving and raking in ever-increasing profits, it has rarely been so controversial regarding its content. A controversy brought to the forefront by none other than its former members.

Almost every week, we hear former basketball greats complaining about the evolution of the game. Too many three-point shots, not enough defense, a lack of toughness in the game: the criticisms leveled at current players are particularly numerous and we can count on Hall of Famers like Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal to flaunt them on national television.

LeBron tired of criticism of the NBA in the 2020s

Now, while some of these arguments are hard to dispute, it’s unfortunate that nothing is being done to praise what’s currently happening in the NBA. At least, that’s the argument put forward by those most concerned, LeBron James at the forefront. Discussing this topic with Steve Nash on the Mind The Game podcast, the four-time champion didn’t hesitate to respond sharply to the critics, expressing his frustration:

Steve Nash: I know a lot of players from my generation are critical of the game. But I watch these playoff games, and I love it. I love the NBA. I love the little battles, the chess matches, the randomness — but with principles. To me, the game’s in a beautiful place.

LeBron James: I loved it growing up. But sometimes, the older generation makes you not want to love the game you grew up watching.

Like, I grew up loving Knicks vs. Bulls playoff series. Pacers vs. Knicks. I loved that. And even though I never saw MJ live — I’m from a small town outside of Cleveland — when the Cavs got the chance to play him, that was exciting… but now, that generation talks so much s*** about today’s game, it makes you go back and watch those old games — and it makes you not even want to appreciate them the way you did as a kid.

Or like, they say, “We can’t be friends,” or, “Why are you smiling on the court?” Then someone pulls a clip of them standing next to an opponent during the Finals, smiling and laughing. Like, what the hell? Can we just be honest? If you want your movie, you write your own script.