The older generation of NBA players has consistently been critical of today’s league and its stars. One of their main complaints is about the way teams relate each other on the court, arguing that it has diminished rivalries in the league. However, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was quick to point out the irony, explaining that many of the behaviors the older generation criticizes are things they themselves did when they were younger.
Legends like Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal have repeatedly claimed that the game was tougher and more physical in their era. While there are undeniable differences between the eras, James doesn’t see the need for the older players to constantly disparage today’s game.
“I loved it growing up. I mean, s—, the older generation makes you not want to love the game that I grew up watching,” James shared during an episode of Mind the Game with Steve Nash.
“Like, I grew up loving a Knicks vs. Bulls playoff series. Or Pacers vs. Knicks playoff series,” he continued. “I loved that. I’m from a small town outside of Cleveland, but watching the Cavs get an opportunity to play against MJ (Michael Jordan) — I didn’t get the chance to see it live, obviously, but everybody’s excited about it”.
He didn’t stop there, reflecting on moments that inspired him as a young fan. “Seeing Charles Barkley play in Phoenix, like take his talents to Phoenix and help them get to the Finals, was so f— dope,” James noted. “But now, that generation talks so much s— about the game today, it makes you go back and watch those old games — and it makes you not even want to appreciate them the way you did as a kid”.
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The Lakers star champion also expressed his confusion over those who criticize current players for showing sportsmanship during games or maintaining friendships with players from opposing teams.
“Or like, these guys say, ‘We can’t be friends,’ or, ‘Why are you smiling on the court?’ Then someone goes and finds a clip of you standing next to this guy during the Finals, smiling and laughing. Like, what the hell? Can we just be honest? Like, I don’t understand,” LeBron added. “If you want your movie — you write your own script”.
Despite the generational debate, today’s NBA appears to be thriving, with young stars like Jalen Brunson, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, and Tyrese Haliburton leading their teams to conference finals and chasing their first career titles.
