In addition to being considered one of the best players of all time, LeBron James is believed to have taken on another role during his 22-year NBA career.
Whether it be by fans, fellow players or media members, the four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP has long been accused of wanting total control of whatever team he is on. His desire to play with certain players has led to teams frequently shipping away young players and future assets and has earned James the nickname “LeGm.”
However, while teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers have entertained his demands, James’ former teammate Mario Chalmers, with whom he won two titles on the Miami Heat, revealed that he did not have the same power in South Beach.
On a recent episode of the “Coach JB Show,” Chalmers discussed a heated moment between him and James, which resulted in Chalmers being benched. When asked if James was able to control everything, Chalmers revealed the team’s president, Pat Riley, would not allow that to happen.
“Nah,” Chalmers said. “I wouldn’t say that. Pat Riley wasn’t going for that. He might’ve had that at other teams. … Pat wasn’t going for that.”
The 80-year-old Riley, who won five championships as an NBA coach and two as an executive, is known for his no-nonsense approach. He has made it clear in years past that even the biggest stars will not run his team.
So, it does cause one to wonder if James was always planning to leave Miami, or if his inability to call certain shots left him frustrated with the team. Regardless of all of the possible tension, the Heat still won two titles during the James era.
