Tag: Pat Riley

Erik Spoelstra says LeBron’s ‘fountain of youth’ is ‘a bunch of work’

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra believes the performance of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is proof of his work ethic.

After a rough start that featured seven first-half turnovers, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from an eight-point halftime deficit to beat the Miami Heat on Friday to give the Heat their first home loss of the season.

James’ turnaround in the game was the biggest reason why they were able to come back but even prior to the game, Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra had a healthy respect for LeBron has done this year and over the course of his entire career. Spoelstra was asked about James coming into the game, who he said has found his fountain of youth by staying dedicated to his craft.

From Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

“I think he’s got the fountain of youth that we’re all searching for,” Spoelstra said Thursday, with the Heat facing the Lakers at 7 p.m. Friday at AmericanAirlines Arena. “But I’ve said it before we played them, the last time we played, that the fountain of youth for LeBron James is a bunch of work and no days off when no one’s watching.”

James spent many mornings showing the outline of his routine this summer, which often involved waking up before four in the morning to get a basketball workout in and weight-lifting before spending a full day on the set to film ‘Space Jam 2.’

After last night’s win, the Lakers are 23-3 and look to be on a collision course with the 23-3 Milwaukee Bucks, whom they will face next Thursday in Milwaukee.

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Was the Heat a consideration before his …

Was the Heat a consideration before his decision to sign an extension because of that noise surrounding the Heat or because he has great respect for the Heat? “It’s both; it’s both,” Beal said. “This [Heat] organization is by far one of the best run in the league. What you hear from Pat Riley on down, from how coach Spo [Erik Spoelstra] is one of the best coaches in the league. You see the high character guys who come in and out. Having several championships here. It’s a championship caliber organization so you have to respect it.”