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Many consider LeBron James to be the greatest basketball player of all time, but one longtime NBA coach thinks he could’ve had a historic career in another sport, too. While appearing on the “Go Off with Austin Rivers” podcast, Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers speculated that the 16-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA champion …
Many consider LeBron James to be the greatest basketball player of all time, but one longtime NBA coach thinks he could’ve had a historic career in another sport, too.
While appearing on the “Go Off with Austin Rivers” podcast, Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers speculated that the 16-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA champion could’ve been the GOAT on the football field, as well.
“I don’t know if there’s ever been an athlete in our league like LeBron James,” the Clippers coach said.
“I don’t think in sports, I don’t think in sports there’s been anything like LeBron James,” Austin Rivers, Doc’s son and a guard with the Houston Rockets, replied.
“It’s funny. You’re right. I really believe if LeBron James played football, he may have been the greatest football player ever,” the elder Rivers said.
The 6-foot-9, 250-pound James stood out at wide receiver during two seasons of high school football. James was recruited by some Division I programs — including Notre Dame — but ultimately chose basketball, going straight to the NBA as the top pick in the 2003 Draft.
Whether or not James would’ve been debated in the same category as, say, Tom Brady or Jerry Rice, is something nobody may ever know. But there’s definitely enough evidence to place him high up among the NBA’s greatest.
