Coach Gregg Popovich’s health weighs on LeBron James’ mind after major news
LeBron James and the LA Lakers begin their defense of the NBA Emirates Cup championship on Friday against the San Antonio Spurs. James, who earned the tournament MVP last year, doesn’t have his mind yet on the upcoming game. The four-time MVP has his thoughts somewhere else.
After the Lakers’ 128-123 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, James talked to reporters about the showdown against Victor Wembanyama and Co. “King James” had this to say about the highly anticipated showdown:
“To be honest, I haven’t even thought about it yet. [I] look forward to the matchup there on Friday, obviously. … For me personally? The much bigger news out of San Antonio right now and that’s my dear friend Coach Pop.
"I’ll be thinking heavily about him as I travel there tomorrow, the game on Friday. [I] wish him the best of health. Hopefully, I see him soon. Doesn’t even have to be on the sidelines. That’s the most important thing for me.”
James was referring to the news surrounding San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich’s reported stroke in early November. The Spurs announced after their 113-103 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Nov. 2 that “Pop” was dealing with a “health issue.”
The team announced on Wednesday that Popovich had a mild stroke but is expected to "make a full recovery." He has been ruled out indefinitely.
Last season, LeBron James led the Lakers to a 4-0 sweep of the Victor Wembanyama-led team in the regular season. The Spurs have retooled, though, but Gregg Popovich will not be around for the next meeting between the two teams.
LeBron James is 1-2 against Gregg Popovich in the NBA Finals
LeBron James faced the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals thrice in his career. They battled in 2007, 2013 and 2014. James is 1-2 against the Gregg Popovich-coached squad.
In 2007, the Silver and Black team whipped the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0 behind Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Six years later, they met again but this time James was a part of the Miami Heat. Miami beat San Antonio in a classic seven-game series.
In 2014, the Spurs-Heat rematch wasn't close. San Antonio dominated Miami in five games. Gregg Popovich won his fifth title with the team and a winning record against LeBron James in the NBA Finals.