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Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James weighed in on a long-running debate and asserted he the transition from basketball to soccer could be simpler than the opposite approach round.
“I wish to say that I feel it is simpler for a basketball participant to strive NFL over the NFL participant attempting to get within the NBA,” he mentioned on the 23-minute mark within the latest episode of the Kelce brothers’ New Heights podcast. “… (If) an NBA man decides to go play within the NFL, sure it should take a transition interval. For me, it might’ve been like getting used to getting hit once more.”
James, who performed soccer and basketball in highschool, mentioned it was “like using a motorcycle” when he’d pivot from enjoying AAU to suiting up for soccer follow. He’d ultimately settle again right into a groove on the sphere.
“Soccer going to basketball, it is such extra coordination and working and leaping, constant,” the four-time MVP mentioned, contrasting the fixed movement in basketball with the stop-and-start nature of soccer.
Requested about which NBA gamers could be greatest suited to thrive within the NFL, James cited Denver Nuggets star Russell Westbrook and Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. He in contrast Westbrook to Los Angeles Chargers security Derwin James.
Whereas clearly did not play within the NFL, James is fairly effectively positioned to weigh in as a result of he was a soccer standout at St. Vincent-St. Mary Excessive College together with being one of the best basketball participant within the nation for his age.
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LeBron’s highschool soccer coach thinks LBJ would’ve been one of many NFL greats 👀👀 @KingJames @STVMFootball
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James additionally mentioned that then-Ohio State soccer coach Jim Tressel recruited him to be a dual-sport athlete previous to him coming into the NBA draft after his senior highschool season.
Regardless of by no means enjoying the school recreation, the Lakers star additionally instructed the Kelces that he thought of an NFL profession “somewhat bit” in the course of the 2011 NBA lockout that lasted 161 days and included a flag football game between he and Kevin Durant.
The 6’9″ ahead additionally possesses the bodily instruments that might’ve seemingly helped him thrive on the gridiron if that is the profession path he had chosen.
The NFL stars who as soon as dabbled in basketball might need one thing to say, although, to push again on James’ argument.