Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo Gives LeBron James Ultimate Respect With Amazing Statement

Lakers star LeBron James was a dominant player for the past decade, and won three championship in his eight consecutive NBA Finals appearances with the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron is playing his 16^th season, and some say that Giannis Antetokounmpo will be the next face of the NBA.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is 24, but he doesn’t even think of taking over the throne. Moreover, he has nothing but words of praise for the king. Matt Velazgues of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has his full statement.

“I love everything about you, man,” LeBron told Giannis as they met at Charlotte’s Spectrum Center.

“Who, me?” Giannis responded.

“At the time I didn’t realize,” Antetokounmpo said. “I heard that he said it, but I didn’t realize, like, I wasn’t thinking. I wasn’t putting two and two together. …

“But he’s one of my role models, he’s one of the guys I looked up to. He’s one of the best players in the league. I tried to make my game similar to his, play kind of the same. From him – he’s a legend – coming from him that he loves everything about me, that’s amazing.”

LeBron respects Giannis, too.

“You just look at every single year how he’s been able to evolve as a player, obviously his physique has evolved, his mental approach has evolved and the franchise has evolved since his first year,” James said of Giannis before their teams played in LA in early March.

“I think it’s all going in the right direction. I greatly appreciate to see someone that gives their all to the game. When you do that the game automatically gives back to you and that’s the result of what Giannis has been doing these last few years.”

Giannis’ talent isn’t unnoticed. Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer has recognized his development.

“I think if there’s a lessening of the gap it’s Giannis is getting better and better,” he said. “It feels like LeBron is just as good if not better than ever. I think it’s a credit to Giannis how much he continues to grow and improve.”