© Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesLeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics.
There’s no question that LeBron James is one of the greatest players in NBA history. The league’s all-time leading scorer, a four-time champion, and soon-to-be record-holder for most seasons played, James has set the bar since entering the league in 2003.
But as much as LeBron’s greatness has propelled teams to success, playing alongside him comes with a unique set of challenges. Former Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson, who played with James in Cleveland from 2015 to 2017, recently offered a blunt and honest assessment of that experience.
“Playing with LeBron sucks because you’re trying to win a championship. He’s one of the most competitive human beings in the history of American sports,” Jefferson said during a recent episode of the Road Trippin’ Show.
Jefferson explained that James’ unmatched discipline and relentless preparation demand the same from everyone around him — and that pressure isn’t for everyone.
LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Richard Jefferson #24 celebrate after a play during the first half against the Washington Wizards. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)
“Does it suck when you’re showing up and he’s already been practicing for four hours and you’re like, oh s—… when he’s watching film and you mess up a play and he’s like, m— what ‘re you doing? And it’s like, yeah, those are the cons,” Jefferson continued.
Jefferson was part of the 2016 Cavaliers squad that made history by becoming the first team to come back from a 3–1 deficit in the NBA Finals, defeating Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. That title run cemented LeBron’s legacy in Cleveland, but it also revealed the grueling expectations required to win at that level.
Channing Frye echoes Jefferson’s sentiment
Channing Frye, another member of the Cavaliers from 2015 to 2018 and co-host of Road Trippin’, echoed Jefferson’s thoughts. Frye also experienced the demands of competing alongside James during that same championship run and spoke to LeBron’s elite mindset.
“Here’s the cons: certain guys play for minutes, certain guys play to be All-Stars, certain guys play to be in the Hall of Fame,” Frye said. “LeBron James plays basketball to win championships and to be the greatest player ever”.
“So like, putting that in perspective is like, oh, you’re trying to make it to the top of the hill – this m— tryna go to Mars… That’s the difference in how he approaches the game,” he added.
While the demands of playing with LeBron James are undeniable, Jefferson and Frye made it clear: that pressure is part of what makes him one of the greatest to ever play the game.
