LeBron James has shared the court with numerous high-profile players throughout his <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA career, each with distinct views on what it was like playing alongside the four-time NBA champion. Lance Stephenson, known for his tenure with the Indiana Pacers, spent the 2018-2019 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he teamed up with James. Despite being a fierce rival in previous matchups, Stephenson’s experience as a teammate changed his perspective significantly.
Stephenson’s Thoughts on a Championship Opportunity With James
The Lakers’ journey during LeBron James’ time has had its ups and downs. Although they secured the NBA championship in 2020, many other seasons were marred by postseason struggles, largely due to injuries and James being beyond his athletic prime when he joined the team. Stephenson appeared in 68 games that season, sharing the floor with James in 55 of those contests. While the Lakers missed the playoffs, mostly because of a mid-season groin injury to James, Stephenson emphasized the enjoyment he found in playing alongside him.
He explained that James’ leadership gave other players clear, manageable roles, reducing pressure and allowing each teammate to focus on their contributions without overextending themselves on the court.
“I ain’t going to lie, it was fun. Like, I felt like if he never got hurt, we would have had a chance. But just like him, he’s like a coach on the floor. That was probably the easiest person to play with, because you only had to do your little role and just play hard. So I feel like that’s the easiest thing you got,”
Stephenson said.
Enjoying His Time With the Lakers and LeBron’s Leadership
Stephenson further described how James’ presence relieved much of the burden on teammates, allowing them to focus on executing their assignments while James handled the overall responsibility. His time with the Lakers was memorable not just because of basketball but also from a lifestyle perspective, making it a positive chapter in his career.
“He takes all the weight. You just go out there and play, hit your jump shots, stay in the corner, play defense. So I had fun that whole year. You know, I got a couple of commercials and I got in a movie. Like, I ain’t gonna lie, I had fun. I was in L.A. Had my whole family out there chilling, always warm.”
Stephenson said.
Unlike some of James’ former teammates who felt unfairly burdened during difficult seasons or overshadowed during successes, Stephenson appreciated having James as a guiding figure on the court. His reflections show a player who values clear direction and the ability to contribute within a defined role.
The Impact of Playing With One of Basketball’s All-Time Greats
While the 2018-2019 Lakers roster did not make a significant playoff push, Lance Stephenson’s experience highlights the influence that LeBron James has on his teammates. By treating James as a de facto coach during games, players like Stephenson could perform their roles with confidence and less stress. This dynamic explains why Stephenson described playing with James as both the easiest and most enjoyable team experience he has had, providing insight into the veteran superstar’s impact beyond scoring and playmaking.
Stephenson’s story offers a hopeful glimpse into the power of strong leadership and teamwork, emphasizing that even when a championship run falls short, the right environment can create a memorable and rewarding season for a player and their family.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does LeBron James sleep 12 hours?
A. Professional athletes use a lot more energy than most people, so they usually sleep more than the recommended 8 hours. LeBron James, for example, sleeps around 12 hours each night. This is notable because traveling for games often makes it difficult for top athletes to get enough rest.