Celtics Hoopla: Kemba Walker praises the ‘incredible’ LeBron James
When the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers open the 2021 chapter to their long, historic rivalry, it will be the first time the two franchises step on the court tied for the NBA’s most championship titles thanks to one LeBron James.
Labeling James as “the greatest players to ever play the game,” Celtics star Kemba Walker spoke highly of the 36-year-old star and looks forward to being a part of a rivalry that will not only be a measuring stick for the Celtics as a legit NBA contender, but will show how young emerging stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown measure up against the greatest.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Kemba talked about the challenge and how he is in awe of what James is doing at his age and how inspiring of an individual he is on and off the court.
"“Man, LeBron is a different breed. He’s just incredible,” Walker said, via NESN. “And it’s inspiring for the most part, to see someone who just takes care of his body, takes care of his self, always every year proves the doubters wrong. Always so much pressure on that man and he always comes through regardless of what’s said about him. Like I said he’s really just an inspiring person in our world. He’s someone that everyone looks up to, wishes to be like. He’s a special talent.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Patriots on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season"
It’s not just that James led the Lakers to the 2020 NBA title, it’s all those times he prevented the Celtics from reaching the finals during his reign in the East. Hate him all you want as an opposing fan, but like the great Tom Brady in football, there is nothing, but respect shown to a player who makes everyone around him better.
Walker certainly has that respect and Saturday night, the Celtics will be out to hand LeBron and the defending NBA champions their third consecutive loss and a statement that championship No. 18 may just run through them.
Boston Celtics, Kemba Walker look to bring it all together
Speaking of making players around him better, that is exactly what Kemba Walker looks to do now that he is back in the Celtics lineup along with Tatum and Brown.
While Wednesday night’s 110-106 loss to the San Antonio Spurs marked the first time the core four of Walker, Tatum, Brown and Marcus Smart were all healthy and, on the court, this game against the Lakers will really show where the team is.
Though Walker has a few games under his belt, he is still not fully back and the Kemba fans are used to seeing, but when he is full go, watch out says Tatum.
"“He’s one of the best players in this league,” Tatum said following Wednesday night’s game. “But when he’s back right, we gon’ be good.”"
Good offensively that is.
Next. Boston Celtics: Jaylen Brown’s rise as a true shooting guard. dark
On the defensive side, the Boston Celtics need to figure things out and they know it. They have the talent, but just need to be more consistent and limit stretches of bad basketball like the horrendous second quarter in that San Antonio loss.
In all, they should be motivated to put it all together against the Lakers and a player in LeBron James capable of bringing out both the best and worse in any player.