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Reading: Tyrese Haliburton Says LeBron James Was His Favorite Player: “I Was A Cavs Fan, Then A Heat Fan, Then A Cavs Fan Again, Then A Lakers Fan”
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Home > NBA News & Analysis > Tyrese Haliburton Says LeBron James Was His Favorite Player: “I Was A Cavs Fan, Then A Heat Fan, Then A Cavs Fan Again, Then A Lakers Fan”

Tyrese Haliburton Says LeBron James Was His Favorite Player: “I Was A Cavs Fan, Then A Heat Fan, Then A Cavs Fan Again, Then A Lakers Fan”

Tyrese Haliburton, a rising star, fulfills a childhood dream by leading the Pacers against his idol LeBron James and the Lakers in the In-Season Tournament Finals.

Vishwesha Kumar
Dec 9, 2023
5 Min Read
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Credit: Fadeaway World

In a captivating journey through the NBA In-Season Tournament, Tyrese Haliburton has emerged as a formidable force, steering the Indiana Pacers to the championship game against the Los Angeles Lakers. For Haliburton, this matchup is a storybook ending, as he grew up idolizing LeBron James, his childhood hero and the face of the Lakers.

Born in 2000, Haliburton’s basketball allegiance evolved with LeBron’s journey. He confessed:

“Like any kid born in 2000, LeBron was my favorite player growing up and it’s hard for him not to be for a lot of us. Growing up, I was a Cavs fan, then a Heat fan, then a Cavs fan again, then a Lakers fan before I got drafted. It’s just how it went.

“To be able to compete against him in a championship is kind of like a storybook a little bit, and it’s going to be a lot of fun. But that’s the great part about being in the NBA, getting to compete against your idols on a nightly basis. I really look forward to that.”

“I don’t really buy into what’s a pretty jumper, what’s an ugly jumper… It’s so overblown, it used to make me so mad during the draft, people were like ‘people just gonna block his jumper.’ This isn’t a video game. I don’t just press square and dudes just block it in my face.”… pic.twitter.com/sQK8z7kDnH

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 8, 2023

The Pacers, having conquered the top four seeds in the Eastern Conference playoffs last season, face their ultimate test against LeBron James and the Lakers in the title game. This championship bout not only offers a chance to lift the NBA Cup but also a unique opportunity for Haliburton to compete against his childhood idol on the grand stage.

The In-Season Tournament has been a resounding success, capturing the attention of players, fans, and the broader NBA community. The Pacers’ remarkable journey, including victories over the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks, has elevated the team’s profile and provided invaluable experience to its young roster.

As the Pacers brace themselves for a showdown with the Lakers, the championship game symbolizes more than just a shot at glory—it’s a stepping stone for a team aspiring to return to the playoffs and make a lasting impact. Haliburton’s narrative, intertwined with his admiration for LeBron James, adds an extra layer of excitement to this highly anticipated championship clash, making it a must-watch event for basketball enthusiasts.


Tyrese Haliburton Has Flashes Of LeBron James In Him

While Tyrese Haliburton may not possess the same physical attributes as LeBron James, there are undeniable flashes of the King’s brilliance in his playing style. Unlike LeBron’s imposing physicality and emphatic finishes, Haliburton stands out with a unique skill set, including an unorthodox yet effective jump shot.

What truly sets Haliburton apart is his exceptional playmaking ability, a characteristic reminiscent of LeBron James. While not a carbon copy, Haliburton showcases a keen understanding of the game, effortlessly creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. His vision on the court, coupled with precise passing, has propelled him to the top of the league in assists, averaging an impressive 12.3 per game this season.

LeBron James, renowned for his versatility and capability to take over a game when needed, has found a kindred spirit in Haliburton. Despite not emulating LeBron’s freight train-like drives to the basket, Haliburton compensates with a lethal scoring touch and a knack for thriving in clutch situations.

Haliburton’s ability to lead an offense, make timely decisions, and elevate his teammates’ performance bears a striking resemblance to LeBron’s playmaking prowess. The young guard’s playmaking isn’t just a facet of his game; it’s a defining strength that shapes the identity of the team. Whether orchestrating a fast break, threading a needle with a precise pass, or hitting a crucial shot, Haliburton exudes a playmaking flair that aligns with LeBron’s basketball IQ.

As Haliburton continues to evolve in his career, the echoes of LeBron James in his playing style become more pronounced. While he may not replicate every aspect of LeBron’s game, the essence of LeBron’s playmaking brilliance undoubtedly reverberates in Haliburton’s on-court performance.

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TAGGED:Indiana Pacers ArchiveLeBron JamesLos Angeles Lakers ArchiveMiami Heat ArchiveTyrese Haliburton
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ByVishwesha Kumar
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Vishwesha Kumar is a staff writer for Fadeaway World from Bengaluru, India. Graduating with a Bachelor of Technology from PES University in 2020, Vishwesha leverages his analytical skills to enhance his sports journalism, particularly in basketball. His experience includes writing over 3000 articles across respected publications such as Essentially Sports and Sportskeeda, which have established him as a prolific figure in the sports writing community.Vishwesha’s love for basketball was ignited by watching LeBron James, inspiring him to delve deeply into the nuances of the game. This personal passion translates into his writing, allowing him to connect with readers through relatable narratives and insightful analyses. He holds a unique and controversial opinion that Russell Westbrook is often underrated rather than overrated. Despite Westbrook's flaws, Vishwesha believes that his triple-double achievements and relentless athleticism are often downplayed, making him one of the most unique and electrifying players in NBA history, even if his style of play can sometimes be polarizing. 
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