LeBron James is arguably the most respected — and at times feared — player in the NBA, thanks to his physical dominance, competitive fire, and unmatched legacy. Around the league, he’s seen as an imposing presence who isn’t afraid to engage in some trash talk, but one of Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors teammates has now shed light on what James is really like off the court.
James has rarely made headlines for the wrong reasons in his personal life, and Gary Payton II revealed on the Jaxxon Podcast that the Lakers star is just as impressive away from the game.
“Good human, family dude,” Payton said. “On the court, he’s one guy, and off the court, he’s a family man. He’s amazing. Humble.” The 32-year-old guard emphasized that he was being genuine, adding that his relationship with James goes back decades.
“I’ve known Bron since he was in high school,” Payton recalled. “I was a young kid, and he used to come over to my dad’s house in Vegas when he was playing AAU ball and doing all that stuff.”
LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles against Gary Payton II #8 of the Golden State Warriors
James also carries the heavy responsibility of being the face of the NBA — a role he has embraced flawlessly. He has set the standard for the league’s younger generation, balancing his career with being a devoted father who makes time for his children’s events, despite the demands of his Hall of Fame-caliber career.
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Draymond Green, another Warriors veteran, isn’t usually quick to heap praise on others, but he didn’t hold back when discussing James’ off-court excellence. Green believes James is the greatest ambassador the league has ever had.
“When you look at those three things, it’s a testament to how he lives his life,” Green said. “I recently said he’s the greatest face the NBA has ever had. Think about the day and age we live in — cameras everywhere, social media — he’s never had a scandal. Never been arrested. Never photographed drunk. Those things go hand in hand with durability, longevity, and consistency. It’s a testament to the discipline he has in his life, and basketball is a result of that.”
“It speaks to the person that he is,” Green continued. “And basketball — and the NBA as a whole — has benefited from having someone like him represent the game.”
