Two-Time NBA All-Star Reflects on Longstanding Beef with Lakers’ LeBron James, ‘He was arrogant and he was a stunter…’
Two-time NBA All-Star Joakim Noah recently appeared on Out The Mud Podcast and reflected on his rivalry with LeBron James, which back in the day made several reverberations.
LeBron James in the frame.
Two-time NBA All-Star Joakim Noah recently appeared on Out The Mud Podcast and reflected on his rivalry with LeBron James, which back in the day made several reverberations. The two came in odds with each other in the early 2010s, when Noah was drafted by the Chicago Bulls and LBJ was a part of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Noah Joakim Reflects on His Rivalry with LeBron James
While he acknowledged LeBron as the best player in the league at the time but could not stand his on-court behavior. According to Noah, being the best gave LeBron the license to mock his opponents and being at the receiving end of such theatres left him vexed.
He was arrogant and he was a stunter…and there were moments when you’re down 20 points, you’re shooting a free throw with your left hand, you’re dancing all over the court, I wasn’t feeling it,” he said. LeBron flexing his superiority used to rattle Noah and bring out the urge in him to strike back.
This led to several verbal and physical altercations between the two. Joakim justified his behaviour by stating that he felt compelled to stand up for his team against him in those situations. Noah said, “You lose to somebody five times in the playoffs, there’s nothing funny about that…I don’t want something bad to happen to him, I’m just a competitor.”
Although more than a decade has passed, Noah and King James are yet to bury the hatchet. In a recent appearance on the OG’s podcast, Noah was asked if they have put the past behind and “worked things out.” He vehemently replied, “Nope, we haven’t.” The former DOPY clarified that his feud is only with LeBron and he does not have any ill feelings for Cleveland.
It should be noted that despite their rivalry, Noah has always acknowledged the greatness of LeBron James. To be dominant at 40 years old is pretty crazy. It’s crazy. I can barely walk to the bathroom and this guy is still dominating.
In a respectful gesture, Noah praised LeBron for the dedication he still holds for the game.
