LeBron James has his own political reason to hold grudge against Phil Jackson. It is more than just a comment from coach who have won the most NBA championship. James grudge is related to his desire to leave his mark as an NBA legend.
New York Knicks president Jackson is the most decorated coach in the NBA history during his tenure as coach in Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers. He has won 11 championship rings and coaching two best players in the modern day NBA, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. This fact alone is suffice to explain the reason behind James’ comment saying his lost of respect for Jackson.
James wanted to be noticed as the NBA legend. However his best friend Dwyane Wade undermined him saying that James can never be greater than Michael Jordan. James didn’t make any comment regarding Wade’s comment at that time, but his pride is hurt.
James has ambition to become the greatest NBA player of all time. Even greater than coach who manage the gameplay. That makes him to have very little respect to his team’s coach.
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue experienced this as well, as had a hard time to coach James. He had his authority challenged by James so many times until he pushed James to his limit as noted by Complex.
Lue called out James during the 2016 NBA Finals Game 7 in the crucial moment. This angered him so much. But coach Lue wanted to emphasized to James that championship ring is not his single effort alone, but a teamwork.
Coach Lue’s approach haven’t changed James to be more humble and respectful. Instead, he suppress his ambition deeper inside. Furthermore, James is also actively involved in politics, which could shape his approach to Jackson’s issue in a more political way.
Watch how James gave a speech to endorse presidential candidate Hillary Clinton from Cleveland.com below: