At the tender age of 40, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is still hunting for his fifth championship.
Another title would make him the 14th player in NBA history to win five Larry O'Brien trophies. He would also join Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kevin Willis and James Edwards as the second-oldest champion behind Robert Parish.
James went to his first NBA Finals in 2007 at 22 years old, carrying the Cleveland Cavaliers. They, however, got swept by a much-experienced San Antonio Spurs led by Tim Duncan.
In a preview of the first episode of his renewed "Mind the Game" podcast, James and his new co-host, NBA legend Steve Nash, talked about players who make their teammates better. The Lakers forward didn't have to think hard to cite an example.
"I've been able to do that with a few of my teams," said James. "I don't go to the NBA Finals in 2006 (season) with that team if I'm not able to make them believe that they're greater than what they are and just give them that confidence."
Some of James' teammates on the Cavaliers at that time were Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Drew Gooden, Larry Hughes and Eric Snow.
For full context, James mentioned several names before adding himself: Nash, his Lakers teammate Luka Doncic and Spurs guard Chris Paul.
"It's a great point because I think people understand that you make your teammates better, but making them believe as a whole is another thing," replied Nash, one of the greatest players to have never won a ring.
James drove home his point with an observation based on his lengthy experience. After all, he's been to nine more NBA Finals since his first stint in 2007.
"Ultimately, they would do anything for you," added the future Hall of Famer. "They'd run through a wall for you."
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This story was originally published March 31, 2025 at 10:30 AM.