One of the best things LeBron James does is pass on advice and love to younger players.
On Saturday night, he heaped praise on Memphis Grizzlies rookie sensation Ja Morant, and the pair exchanged jerseys after the Griz upset James’ Los Angeles Lakers. Per ESPN, “James could be heard telling Morant, ‘whatever you need, on or off [the court],’ he would be willing to help him.”
On Sunday, it was his turn to have an exchange with another rookie, Zion Williamson. James was asked about his mentorship, and he launched into an answer about how it’s his job “to continue to pass on the game to the guys that’s coming in after me.”
And to anyone who criticizes that?
“Anybody that says that, ‘LeBron, why would he do that while he’s playing? It’s a sign of weakness, you know, it’s buddy-buddy with the guys he’s going against,'” he said. “Tell them to kiss my (butt), all right? With a smile, too.”
Well said, and it’s a reminder of a simple fact: James and other veterans who advise younger players can separate their intensity on the court with the help they give off of it.
