Former NFL star Chad Johnson, better known as Ochocinco, appeared on ‘The Roommates Podcast’ with Knicks stars Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson, revealing that he not only beat LeBron James in a 1-on-1 but also other NBA legends such as Dwyane Wade, Russell Westbrook, and Carmelo Anthony.
“I play pickup with everybody. I beat him. LeBron has lost, they’ll say I’m joking around but I’m not. Anytime you step on the court, you have to take it seriously… When you do anything competitive, it’s bragging rights. It’s the right to talk trash… Carmelo’s lost, D-Wade, Westbrook was easy work.”
Ochocinco then explained the specific rules under which he does 1v1’s, saying he doesn’t play with a dribble limit.
“Y’all play dribble limit? I don’t do that, never heard of that.”
(Starts at 7:32)
Claiming to have a win over LeBron James in 1-on-1 basketball is extremely impressive. We will never know if Ochocinco is telling the truth unless JJ Redick decides to ask LeBron about this during their next episode of the ‘Mind The Game’ podcast.
Ochocinco has always been respected in NBA circles, with many previously attesting to his playing availability. Even on the podcast, Ochocinco made it clear that he chose to play in the NFL over pursuing an NBA career, flexing his athletic versatility. Knowing how talented he was as an NFL player, it’s entirely possible he could have been in the NBA if he chose to dedicate his life to basketball instead of football.
LeBron James Went Off On People Talking About 1-On-1 Basketball In The NBA
LeBron James has often had to see criticism about his game, with many saying he likely wouldn’t be successful playing ones because his skill set enhances team basketball. It’s ludicrous to say the man who has the most points in NBA history couldn’t cook 99% of NBA players in history, but James has weathered these comments for years.
James attacked the notion of hyping up 1-on-1 battles in the NBA in the first episode of the ‘Mind The Game’ podcast.
“Everyone is a narrative of this thing called, I have a bag, or he doesn’t have a bag. It bothers the f**k out of me.” Everyone thinks just because you get a favorable matchup that means one-on-one time. That’s all you hear the kids talk about now, you wanna play ones? Like what the f**k is this, this is not Jordan vs Bird Nintendo. Like this is five on five.”
It’s clear LeBron isn’t a fan of overvaluing one-on-one games, but he’s known to always be willing to compete like this in practice with teammates. Michael Beasley has gone on record to say he and LeBron used to play ones a lot, but never in front of people.
If you’re working on your game to be impactful at the NBA level, focusing on one-on-one ability might hurt your career over time. James has developed a full arsenal of tools to impact the game, which also includes going 1-on-1 when required.
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