LeBron’s tenure with the Heat is where he went from being a young, unproven star to an established NBA Champion. It was there in which he began to cement his legacy as an All-Time great and by the time he re-joined the Cavaliers four years later, he was an experienced winner.
For those that played him with, they got to know what it felt like to play with a star of his caliber and watch him grow his game, maturity, and list of accolades. In a recent appearance on the HoopsHype Podcast with Alex Kennedy, Chalmers detailed a little of what it was like playing with The King.
“Playing with one of the greats is a learning experience,” said Chalmers. “It’s a lot of fun, but it’s also hard with all the scrutiny and everything that comes with it. For a player like me that likes to take the last shot, that likes to be in the moment, you got to respect LeBron, you got to let him take those shots sometimes. Situations like that are difficult, but it was fun. I never take away from that experience of playing with that guy. He’s one of the greats.”
Mario Chalmers Says Letting LeBron James Take Clutch Shots on Miami Heat Was ‘Difficult’: https://t.co/mXLgvZpHk4
— Heat Nation (@HeatNationCom) July 7, 2020
As Chalmers explains, it was tough for him (a competitor) to pass up last shots, but it was a sacrifice he was willing to take if it meant giving the ball to someone he knew was better.
LeBron rarely disappointed in those clutch opportunities. He would either take the shot himself or pass to an open teammate so they can knock it down. Either way, his basketball IQ and willingness to find the best shot possible made him a pretty good player in crunch time.
As Chalmers said, he’s one of the greats.
