AFTER leading the Los Angeles Lakers to its first National Basketball Association (NBA) crown in 10 years, LeBron James, who was hailed as the Finals MVP, said he wanted respect.
According to James, leading the Lakers back to NBA coronation was his sole focus when he entered the franchise back in 2018.
“I told Jeanie [Buss] when I came here that I was gonna put this franchise back in the position where it belongs. Her late, great father did it for so many years and she just took it on after that,” James said.
“For me to be a part of such a historical franchise, it’s an unbelievable feeling not only for myself, but for my teammates, for the organization, for the coaches, for the trainers, for everybody that’s here,” he added.
“We just want our respect. Rob [Pelinka] wants his respect. Coach [Frank] Vogel wants his respect. Our organization wants their respect. Laker Nation wants their respect. And I want my damn respect, too,” he furthered.
The 35-year-old James is the first star to win Finals MVP awards with three different teams and the oldest Finals MVP ever.
“He’s the greatest player the basketball universe has ever seen,” said Lakers head coach Frank Vogel.
“And if you think you know, you don’t know, okay, until you’re around him every day, you’re coaching him, you’re seeing his mind, you’re seeing his adjustments, seeing the way he leads the group,” he added./PN
