LeBron James has played alongside some of the greats of the NBA since starting out in the league back in 2003. 'The King' has called the likes of Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Dwyane Wade and even Shaquille O’Neal teammates at various points of his career.
In the 22 years since his debut, James has carved out an incredible legacy in the league. He has won four NBA Championships, alongside four MVP awards and has been selected for the All-NBA first team on a staggering 13 occasions.
However, despite all of his achievements, LeBron has a few regrets about his career - including not being able to step on to the court alongside one particular NBA player.
LeBron James' Career Stats
Stat
Points per game
Assists per game
Rebounds per game
Steals per game
Blocks per game
Career awards
NBA titles
Like every top player, 'LBJ' was at his best when surrounded by prolific playmakers - and for a long time in the NBA - few could run an offense better than Steve Nash. One of the best point guards to ever play the game, the eight-time NBA All-Star was among the most-respected players in the league across spells with the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers.
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In addition to his ability when it comes to assists, Nash also ranks as one of the top players in NBA history in terms of three-point and free-throw shooting. In many ways, it's easy to see why LeBron was so keen to share the court with him.
LeBron James and Steve Nash Missed Each Other at the Lakers by Just a Few Years
Nash called time on his career before LeBron arrived in the City of Angels
Nash was traded to the Lakers in 2012, but would end up being restricted to just 65 appearances for the franchise in three years. Although he had suffered from chronic back pain issues throughout his NBA career, these became worse as the years went by. By the time he joined the Lakers roster, Nash was dealing with persistent pain, numbness, and weakness in his legs. Each of these issues severely limited his mobility and endurance.
The two-time MVP ultimately confirmed his retirement from the game on the 21st of March 2015. At the time of Nash's announcement, LeBron couldn't hide his disappointment.
"It’s tough, you hate to see anyone have the game taken away because of an injury and especially a talent like that. Obviously he’s worked his tail off to try to be healthy and play for the franchise. Over his career, he’s always kept his body in shape. We all knew that, and for his body to fail him at a time where he feels he still has something to give to the game, it sucks!"
Bron continued: "At the same time, he has nothing to be ashamed of. He should be proud of every moment he had in this league. From him waiting behind, sitting on the bench behind J-Kidd [in Dallas] to finally getting his opportunity in Dallas and going back to Phoenix and having an unbelievable career with two MVPs and doing the things that he did.
"I wish I could have been a teammate of his for a year or two. Being around a guy like that who is just all about team. He never asked for anything and everything was given to him. You can respect somebody like that."
Steve Nash's Career Stats
Years Active
Teams
NBA Championships
MVPs
NBA All-Star Appearances
Nash would return to the NBA in 2020, this time as the Head Coach of the Brooklyn Nets. He made the playoffs with the team in his two seasons in charge, but would be fired just seven games into his third season in the role.
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