Team USA star LeBron James once claimed to leave NBA if ex-rival wasn't named MVP
In an appearance on BET's "Rap City" after winning NBA Rookie of the Year in 2004, Team USA star LeBron James jokingly claimed to leave the league if his former rival, Kevin Garnett, wasn't named MVP for that year. When asked about who the best in the NBA was at that time, James, who was with the Cleveland Cavaliers at the time, was quick to highlight Garnett and justify his answer.
"KG, the big ticket," James said. "Unanimous MVP, if he don't get it this year, I'm leaving. Ain't no second season for me if he don't get it this year.
"Every year he gets better, and to be a seven-footer and to be able to handle the rock, pass the ball, to score, the man averaged 24,15 and 5... He doing big things."
LeBron James got to continue his NBA career as Kevin Garnett was named the MVP for the 2003-04 season, which was the first and only MVP award of his career. Garnett led the Minnesota Timberwolves to the top of the Western Conference with a 58-24 record in the 2003-04 season while averaging 24.2 points, 13.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.2 blocks per game.
However, Garnett and the Timberwolves were defeated in the Western Conference finals 4-2 by the second-seeded LA Lakers, who were led by NBA legends Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant.
Meanwhile, LeBron James had averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game in his rookie season, as the Cavaliers missed out on the postseason having finished ninth in the Eastern Conference.
Kevin Garnett brainstorms idea to prolong LeBron James' career
Entering his 22nd year of professional basketball, LeBron James has maintained his efficiency throughout the years. However, his days in the NBA are still numbered.
Impressed by James' game in Team USA's exhibition win against Team Canada ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, former Olympic gold medalist Kevin Garnett took to X, formerly Twitter, to suggest a role for "King James" that may prolong his career.
"Lord! Bron could play 10 more years in a Draymond [Green] role," Garnett wrote.
In the game, LeBron James played an efficient 19 minutes and recorded seven points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block as he put on a show while sharing the floor with his former on-court rival Stephen Curry.
James is also leading the way for Team USA as it remains undefeated at the ongoing Paris Games, with the NBA icon looking to secure his third Olympic gold medal.