LeBron James’ respect for New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was on full display Wednesday night, as the Cavaliers star intentionally avoided running into him on the sidelines.
During the fourth quarter in a loss to the Celtics in Boston, James fell after attempting to put back a Cavs miss. Instead of grabbing the board and dunking it home, James awkwardly stumbled and fell into the crowd. Who was sitting courtside? Belichick.
After the game, James admitted he “definitely slowed up,” because he saw the New England Patriots decision maker.
“That’s why I slowed up,” said James. “I definitely slowed up because I knew it was him. I’m not taking no legend out. I’m not doing that. I need to keep seeing him win. That’s pretty cool for me.”
It wasn’t the only run-in James and Belichick had. After the game, the two met up and had an “inspiring” chat.
Have a great conversation with Coach Belichick after the game! Things like that I'll remember forever. #GOAT #MutualRespect #Inspiring
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 2, 2017
As funny as it is that LeBron almost ran into Belichick, James comments are somewhat odd. Would he have run into the person sitting courtside if it wasn’t Belichick? Regardless, greatness recognizing greatness is always awesome to see.
LeBron wasn’t the only admirer of Belichick. Celtics star Isaiah Thomas told ESPN’s Chris Forsberg he wanted to show respect to the Patriots coach.
“I just wanted to shake his hand,” said Thomas, who said it was the first time he had met Belichick. “And show my respect.”
Belichick’s gotta show up to more Celtics games. He’s (justifiably in Massachusetts) treated like a king – even by the greats. Plus, he’ll never know who will run into him.
[ESPN]
