LeBron James is currently the oldest player in the league. So what about it? There is barely anyone who is performing at his level. Even at 39, the 20x NBA All-Star is delivering like never before. He is smashing one record after another like it’s a cakewalk! Entering his 22nd season, The King still dominates. He even joined the Summer Olympics instead of resting. LeBron’s commitment makes it hard to recall a subpar game. From his rookie season, he’s been setting unprecedented standards.
But a question has haunted the basketball world for a while. That is, how long will Bron play? He has achieved literally everything that is there to achieve. And yet, his hunger for improvement never settles. However, the youngsters of Team USA have teased the NBA All-Time Scorer because of his age. But well, it was all in good humor, so nothing to be worried about.
LeBron James shared this insight on the Lakers’ media day. Speaking with Spectrum, the legend said: “Ant-Man, for sure, Tyrese Haliburton, them boys were on me all summer calling me Old Head and Grandpa, things of that nature. You probably saw a little bit throughout the summer in my beard, my gray hairs was coming out.”
He added: “I was looking like a real grandpa…But the young guys on the Olympics team, they gave it to me man. It was all fun. It’s great to be around young guys. They gave me energy and I tried to give it back to them.”
We’re intrigued to know what kind of ‘trash talk’ LeBron refuted with. But well, maybe we’ve got to wait until Haliburton or ANT reveals the truth.
via Getty
Who knows, maybe James reminded them that he has four rings compared to their zero. He has a career average of 27.8PPG while Tyrese Haliburton stands at 17.2PPG and Anthony Edwards stands at 22.9PPG. Meanwhile, they didn’t spare the ‘old’ Baby-Faced Assassin from the ‘old man’ tag as well! But, wasn’t Steph also a ‘rookie’ in Team USA this time?
LeBron James’ ‘partner in crime’ Stephen Curry also fell prey to the youngsters’ high jinks
If you thought only LeBron was bullied by his juniors, you’re wrong. Even Stephen Curry was under the fun radar. The Bay Area superstar led Team USA to the Finals with an insane 24 points with 8 three-pointers to ravish the opponents further. Following the win, Steph ditched the ‘rookie’ tag and flaunted his ‘Paw Patrol’ backpack, rekindling his inner 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥. LeBron James’ wingman looked at the camera and said: “I feel goldness right now. I’m in the club right now. I ain’t a rookie no more. Even though I got my beautiful backpack.” Well maybe, the special backpack was an influence of him watching the animated show ‘Paw Patrol’ with his kid, who knows?
But well, Bam Adebayo is just not ready to give up on calling Chef Curry a ‘rookie’. Once again in a light-hearted moment, the Miami Heat captain called Steph a newbie. This came after soccer maestro Lionel Messi copied, the 3-point shooting genius’ iconic ‘Night Night’ celebration. Adebayo stated: “I always make the joke that Steph was my rook in the Olympics but for him to do that, you know, that was pretty iconic.” After ending France’s Olympic gold medal dreams, the 36-year-old tucked his hands between his neck and ear as a gesture that he had put the French team to bed! Steph’s cold celebration came to light during the 2022-23 season and since then it remains a Stephen Curry Exclusive!
From LeBron James being called an old grandpa to Steph Curry’s ‘rookie’ tease, Team USA’s youngsters have done it all. Enjoying the thrills of basketball in their early 20s, they are undoubtedly drawing inspiration from their seniors. However, sometimes seriousness can be thrown out of the window. Just like Tyrese Haliburton, Anthony Edwards, and Bam Adebayo have done. Nonetheless, the dedication of these athletes and the camaraderie they have is endearing and commendable at the same.
