LeBron James frequently finds himself at the heart of intense discussions, drawing both ardent supporters and vocal critics. Within the circle of his detractors, some are quick to highlight his flaws, particularly during tough stretches of the season.
Claims have arisen suggesting that James sometimes subtly discredits his teammates, pursuing trades when challenges emerge, and placing blame when victories slip away in the race for the NBA championship.
However, in stark contrast to this criticism, many players who have shared the court with him offer their unwavering support. Among them is Quinn Cook, a guard instrumental in the Los Angeles Lakers’ successful 2019-2020 campaign.
During an engaging discussion on a podcast hosted by former All-Star Victor Oladipo, Cook passionately endorsed James, emphasizing his virtues as a teammate.
“There’s no denying he’s an incredible player, one of the greatest ever to play the game,” Cook stated. “He has this remarkable talent for elevating those around him—whether it’s his fellow players, the support staff, or even the coaching team. He truly makes everyone feel significant, and his commitment is unparalleled.”
“LeBron is always the first person in the gym and the last to leave. His achievements stem from his relentless work ethic; it’s not merely a stroke of luck,” he added.
Although Cook’s last appearance in the NBA was during the 2020-2021 season, he has continued to play overseas and has maintained a strong friendship with James, frequently reaching out to him.
“He’s genuinely a great guy. Even after being off the team for three years, I still talk to him maybe twice a week. That speaks volumes about the connection we formed,” he reminisced fondly.
As for James, the 40-year-old star has a player option for the forthcoming season, which would be the 23rd of his illustrious career. Following the Lakers’ early playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he has remained reticent about his future. Nevertheless, many fans and analysts are hopeful about his return to the Lakers as training camp begins this fall.
