On a podcast with JJ Redick, Lakers star LeBron James made a comment about Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. He discussed how what Tatum has managed to do so far at the age of 25 is elite. Additionally, Los Angeles Lakers LeBron mentioned that people have a lot of expectations for the young player. Tatum is currently 5th in the race for MVP this year.
The two All-Stars have faced each other twice this season and split that games 1-1. There is a debate among NBA fans about whether Tatum deserves to be in the MVP conversation. Some think he needs to do more to earn it. Having LeBron James come out and say your accomplishments are valid is a pretty big deal, even for a player who has been in the league for 7 seasons now.
LeBron James Speaks Out on Boston Celtics Player
“He's 25 years old, and I believe he has been to the conference finals four times and to the NBA finals once. He’s 25. I didn't win my first one until I was 28. I think Joker won his first one at 27. I think MJ was 28 as well… I think we have a lot of expectations on JT, but… pic.twitter.com/glZF4cgwcK
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 19, 2024
There is no question that LeBron James will go down in history as one of the best players to step on the court. He’s won the rings and MVP trophies and has solidified his greatness on multiple teams. The younger Jayson Tatum still needs to have the chance to do this. However, James can recognize that Tatum’s current accomplishments are nothing to look down on. Jayson Tatum’s ability to lead the Celtics is often questioned, even though his whole career is full of incredible moments and solid stats. Due to his lack of rings, people can’t see his remarkable achievements.
The Comparisons Between Other Stars and the Boston Celtics All-Star
Generally, when compared to other stars, Tatum is given the shorter stick. These stars include Anthony Edwards, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Furthermore, during these comparisons, people tend to focus solely on stats. It has gotten to the point where people will explicitly name those three players as the next face of the league and completely skip over Tatum. Yes, Doncic and Gilgeous-Alexander have a higher points-per-game stat, and Edwards is too far behind the Celtics forward, but there’s more to it than stats.
In his career with the Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum has played 94 playoff games, gone to the Eastern Conference Finals 4 times, and has gone to the Finals once. At this time, the other three stars combined for 52 playoff appearances and have gone to the Conference Finals once. Edwards has only been in the league for 3 full seasons, which gives him time. However, the other two are on their 6th season, just one behind Tatum. Yes, Tatum has had the opportunity to play for a strong Celtics team, but he has helped build that strength. Unfortunately, he isn’t given the proper respect for what he has done so far.
The Future of Jayson Tatum with the Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum will probably continue to make the playoffs throughout his career with the Boston Celtics. LeBron James believes this as well. He has shown growth every single season, and this year, it’s clear that he is putting his stats second and his team first. There is no doubt in the minds of Boston Celtics fans that Tatum will probably be the guy to bring them Banner 18. If he continues to push and make appearances in the finals, he’ll get there eventually. Yes, Tatum has his flaws, but he is also one of the most unnecessarily disrespected players in the NBA. LeBron said it best: “Four conference finals and a finals appearance before the age of 26 is elite,” and some credit needs to be given.
For More Great Content
Elizabeth is an avid watcher of all things sports. However, the Boston sports teams will always be her number one. Follow her on twitter @edellapiana1 .
Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.