Suns announcer stumps LeBron James’ critics amid demand for getting Nikola Jokic “help” despite one factor
Among the many moves LeBron James has been criticized for over the years is his first departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers. One former player, Eddie Johnson, came to his defense while comparing him to another superstar, Nikola Jokic.
After winning his third MVP in four years, Jokic is putting up arguably the best numbers of his career. As he continues to dominate the league, the Nuggets sit in ninth place in the West at 11-10. That has resulted in a narrative forming that the star big man needs more help around him.
As this Jokic narrative continues to grow, Phoenix Suns announcer Johnson compared the situation to LeBron James' first run in Cleveland. He doesn't understand how LeBron can be criticized for needing upgraded talent, but Jokic somehow gets a pass, especially considering Denver's lineup was once considered the best in the league.
Johnson is a bit of an NBA lifer, playing in the league and then becoming a TV analyst. The journeyman forward is most known for his time with the Suns, where he took home Sixth Man of the Year in 1989.
Despite being dragged to the final in 2007 by a 22-year-old LeBron, the Cavaliers were never able to put top-end talent around the emerging superstar. That led to him leaving his hometown team in 2010 to join the Miami Heat.
Eddie Johnson defends LeBron James following Paul Pierce's comments
This is not the first time Eddie Johnson has taken to social media to come to the defense of LeBron James. He brought up one of the LA Lakers star's best performances in a dispute with another former player.
While on the "Dan LeBatard Show" last week, Paul Pierce shared his thoughts on how the 2008 Boston Celtics would fare against the current team. As expected, he sided with his squad in the hypothetical matchup. Pierce feels the '08 team would win because they'd dominate them mentally, like they did to LeBron.
After seeing this clip on social media, Johnson re-shared it and chimed in with his thoughts. He brought up how LeBron James was able to dominate Pierce and the Celtics in Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals.
"Sorta like LBJ broke you in game 6 2012? Life is indeed a circle." Johnson wrote.
LeBron and the Miami Heat found themselves on the brink of elimination in the aforementioned Game 6. With their backs against the wall, the superstar forward erupted for 45 points, 15 rebounds and five assists on 73.1% shooting to force a Game 7. To this day, it's still viewed as one of LeBron's top playoff performances.
The Heat would eventually go on to win Game 7 and take down the OKC Thunder in the NBA Finals to secure a championship.