Former Championship Teammate Delivers Reality Check About Lakers’ LeBron James

In his 21st NBA season, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers isn’t performing at the peak level he once did, but as a 39-year-old superstar, he’s still considered by many to be within the top five to ten players in the league. However, his current condition, hindered by injuries and inconsistent support from his teammates, has led to doubts about his standing among NBA peers. While some former teammates question whether opponents fear James, Channing Frye holds a different perspective.

“You know who fears LeBron James? Organizations, coaches,” Frye, now working as an analyst, said on NBA TV’s “#Handles” on March 15. [Michael] Jordan, Kobe [Bryant] – and even [Shaquille O’Neale] – they were feared because of the rules, and you had to play them mostly 1-on-1. And so they would embarrass you.

“Bron’s game is not like that, right? Bron’s game is cerebral, it’s ‘winning’. So, know he gonna give you 50, 14, and 13. But it’s not the same. I’m pretty sure there are players that fear him in Game 7s.

“LeBron is almost 40 years old and nobody wants to be No. 1 and play the Lakers in the first round.”

https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1768864454320832820?t=18zKyKhDETeDtxoQfNlYGw&s=19

During their time together with the Cleveland Cavaliers spanning three seasons, Frye and James notably collaborated during the latter stretch of the 2015-16 season, crucially contributing to the Cavaliers’ historic first championship victory in franchise history. It’s worth noting that league regulations, particularly regarding defensive strategies such as zone defense and limitations on helping and double-teaming, underwent significant changes leading up to the 2000-01 season. Michael Jordan was notably vocal against these defensive schemes, as reported by the Chicago Tribune in 2001.