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5 hours ago
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Los Angeles Lakers forward and future Hall of Fame inductee LeBron James is no stranger to constant criticism.
James has captured four NBA titles, Finals MVP awards, league MVP awards and smashed the league's all-time scoring record (42,184 career reg. season points). Even still, countless detractors have made their opinions known throughout his 22-year career.
During a recent episode of James' Mind the Game podcast, the generational talent discussed his ability to block out the noise and stick to his natural instincts with co-host and former 2-time NBA MVP Steve Nash.
"I just stayed true to what got me to that point," James shared with Nash on Tuesday.
"(The criticism) still goes on, it happened in the 2020 Finals. I had an unbelievable game in one of the games to close out the (Miami) Heat in the Finals and I drove the ball, two or three defenders came and I found Danny Green wide-open for a three and he missed it."
"People (were) like, 'Why didn't he take the shot? He should've took the shot. There he goes again passing (up) the shot."
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"The Man in the Arena.' It's one of my favorite quotes about being mirrored with dust and everything, and it's always the guy that's not in the arena is the one that's the loudest."
"You've never stepped foot in an arena, so how could you ever challenge what I'm doing?"
With regard to receiving tips and pointers from inexperienced spectators, it could be argued that James is the most scrutinized player in NBA history due to his pass-first mindset and willingness to always make the right play.
Heading into what will be his 23rd season, he's still expected to produce at an All-NBA level. The amazing part is that he's seemed to have zero difficulty with doing so.
In 2024-25, he contributed 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists on an impressive 57.1% effective field goal percentage, exceeding expectations once again at 40 years of age.
While his play-style will continue to be picked apart by those watching from the sidelines, it's safe to say that it won't bother James as he prepares for his 23rd campaign and a hopeful fifth NBA championship victory.
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