LeBron James is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. The four-time NBA Champion has enlisted his name in several basketball records and is the league's all-time leading scorer. However, the Lakers’ star gets heavily criticized sometimes following his popularity and constant comparison over who is the greatest of all time. Additionally, his comparison to past superstars by fans keeps increasing as he becomes more unbreakable each year. When off the court, he involves himself in various conversations, including on social media, with his controversial takes. Meanwhile, a former NBA player has revealed the real reasons behind why LeBron gets all the hate. At least this is what he believes.
Lester Conner on hate towards LeBron James
During a storytime with Cedric Maxwell featuring Joe Barry Carroll & Lester Conner, the former NBA player stated the persistent criticism towards James, who appeared in 10 NBA Finals.
Conner said:
“Some people don't like him because of the fact that he named himself 'The King'. Who gonna name themself 'The King' and then say they're the GOAT and the greatest of all time when somebody else should give you those accolades. So, I think that's one of them”
Conner, also known as "swingman,” further stated during the podcast:
"Then the way he does teams by handpicking certain guys that he wants — being the player, the general manager, the coach — I think that rubs some people in the wrong way."
Conner has played for multiple teams in the league. He was drafted by the Golden State Warriors as the first round pick in the 1982 NBA draft as the 14th selection. In his 12-season-long career, he spent four years with the Warriors. The former guard departed from the league at the end of the 1994–95 season and turned his focus to coaching. He has provided his expertise to teams like the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets as their assistant manager.