LeBron James' former Bulls rival calls Lakers superstar "greatest" despite multiple clashes - "There was a lot of hurt"
Former Chicago Bulls star center Joakim Noah has frequently expressed disdain for LA Lakers superstar forward LeBron James since their early 2010s rivalry. However, it appears Noah has come around on the four-time MVP, as he recently lauded him for his illustrious career.
James and Noah had numerous Eastern Conference battles during the former's stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat. James' squads regularly bested Noah's Bulls, with him boasting a 16-5 playoff record across four postseason matchups. Nevertheless, the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year never shied away from challenging James.
Noah, who retired in 2021, has gone on record several times to talk about his dislike for his ex-rival. Earlier this year, he said they hadn't settled their "deep" beef, calling James a "motherf**ker." However, Noah seemingly reversed course on "All The Smoke" Thursday, clarifying his opinion of James.
According to the two-time All-Star, he grew tired of James' showboating and Chicago's inability to beat him, leading him to vent his frustrations. Noah added that he still struggles to cope with never getting over the hump in the East.
"LeBron was so talented and so good, sometimes I felt like he would start dancing, and it would p*ss me off," Noah said. "I was trying to win. It never happened. I'm still processing. We're competitors, man. At the end of the day, this is the business of competition."
He noted that his hatred for James also caused him to condemn the city of Cleveland.
"People still talk to me about the Cleveland thing, and they think it funny, but I think there was a lot hurt," Noah said. "There was real hurt."
Afterward, Noah commended the four-time NBA champion for his career accomplishments, crowning him his all-time "greatest" adversary.
"You've gotta give the guy his flowers," Noah said. "The guy is an all-time great, greatest I've ever played against."
Noah played 13 seasons from 2007 to 2020, squaring off against numerous all-time greats, including Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. So, proclaiming James his premier foe marks high praise from one of the 20-time All-Star’s most renowned critics.
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Joakim Noah credits LeBron James' longevity as he prepares to play alongside his son
While praising LeBron James, Joakim Noah pointed out how impressive it is that the superstar forward is still playing. Noah credited James for earning the opportunity to make history by playing alongside his son, Lakers rookie guard Bronny James.
"You know, you get to play with your son this year, you've gotta give Bron his flowers," Noah said.
Drafted in 2003, James is gearing up for his record-tying 22nd NBA season. Meanwhile, he is still playing at an elite level, coming off his record-setting 20th All-Star selection and record-extending 20th All-NBA nod.
Thus, it appears Noah can't help but appreciate his former rival's career arc.
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