Some people have criticized LeBron James’ leadership at times, accusing him of essentially packing it in when things aren’t going well for his team.
But one thing is certain: Whenever James has felt his team has an excellent chance of winning, he has shown excellent leadership, focus, energy and intensity.
Right now, the 39-year-old Los Angeles Lakers superstar is preparing to help Team USA make a run at an Olympic gold medal. The squad has looked dominant at times during its exhibition games this month, and James is coming off a clutch performance against South Sudan on Saturday.
Team USA head coach Steve Kerr has witnessed his leadership from the other side during four NBA Finals appearances against his Cleveland Cavaliers and two other postseason matchups against the Lakers. But Kerr has realized in recent weeks that James’ presence is something else when seen in an up close and personal way.
Via ESPN:
“I’m just blown away by LeBron’s effort and concentration and focus,” Kerr said. “On every single drill he talks. He’s even in a shootaround walkthrough his voice behind the play, yelling out what’s happening, yelling out the scheme, his leadership by example. The guy is incredible and I mean I’ve known that forever, but to see it up close is pretty special.”
The United States has one more exhibition contest on Monday versus Germany. It will then head off to Paris for the summer games, where it will participate in its first game of group play on July 28 against Serbia.