LeBron James Uses Celtics Star As Source of Inspiration
Everyone’s road to the pros is different. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was tagged as the next great NBA player by the time he was 16 years old. NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman famously didn’t start playing basketball until he was 21.
While James has done battle with the Boston Celtics countless times over the years, he’s a steward of the sport and respects greatness where he sees it. Now, with his sons attempting to reach the highest level, he’s using Derrick White to set the example.
On the latest episode of the Mind the Game podcast with James and Steve Nash, James said he sent his sons an Instagram story that White posted, detailing his journey from a mostly unrecruited high school player to becoming an NBA champion.
“Everyone’s road to success is different,” James said. “So stay locked in and stay patient.”
Not only was White an unheralded prospect who made the NBA, but he’s transformed himself into one of the best players in the league. He’s been selected to the NBA All-Defense Second Team twice, and was selected to play on Team USA in the latest Olympic games.
James is hoping his sons can make a similar leap. Bronny James was selected by the Lakers last season and bounced between the G-League and NBA rosters. Bryce James will attend the University of Arizona in the fall with hopes of being selected when he decides to declare for the NBA draft.
The NBA Draft takes place on Wednesday, when 59 players will be selected and begin their professional basketball journeys.