LeBron James has been the face of the NBA for nearly two decades. With a legendary resume and now entering his 22nd season in the league, the Los Angeles Lakers star has achieved more than most players could dream of. Yet, as the league transitions into the era of rising talents like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, and Luka Doncic, some wonder why LeBron’s legendary status doesn’t always translate into widespread idolization among newer fans.
Former NBA veteran and three-time champion Danny Green recently appeared on the All the Smoke podcast. Green pointed to the saturation of LeBron’s image on social platforms, which has slowly stripped away the mystique that once surrounded the four-time NBA champion.
“Social media’s kind of ruined that for a lot of bigger guys, because I feel like that aura, I saw it a lot earlier on. Like when he was in Cleveland, he was a rock star, by the time he got to LA, when he was in Miami, I feel like they had so much access to him,” Green said.
“They see him all the time; they see him on social media, they see him in the clubs or doing parties. People didn’t idolize him as much, and they criticized him, like we’re able to criticize those top guys even more because of social media,” he added.
Danny Green Explains The Demands Of Being Teammates With LeBron James
Playing alongside LeBron James is an opportunity few NBA players get. But it’s also a challenge that not everyone is prepared for. Green also sheds light on the intense expectations that come with being one of James’ teammates.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
“He knows everybody, what they can do, where their best spots are, ‘He shoots 48% from here, this is his wing’ or ‘this is his corner.’ He wants you where you’re at, where you’re best at and he’s gonna find you there too,” Green said.
That level of basketball IQ creates both opportunity and pressure. Green experienced a title run with LeBron in 2020. Hence, he knows the challenges of playing alongside one of the greatest to ever do it.
Also Read: Dietician Calls Out LeBron James For Giving People Bad Advice
