When Shaquille O’Neal said nobody feared LeBron James anymore, he was probably saying it as a challenge to the Los Angeles Lakers star. After all, the fact that he can still produce as an NBA superstar at 39 years old makes him a very terrifying player to play against.
However, James has already said his piece about the matter, and the two will probably continue to disagree until one of them is proven right.
It’s worth noting that there was a time in James’ career when almost everyone in the league dreaded playing against him. During those days, he was nothing short of invincible on the hardwood.
Players who openly said they were terrified of playing against LeBron James
Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World wrote an interesting piece that listed several players who admitted they were scared of LeBron James. All of these have made names for themselves as either solid role players or established superstars for their respective franchises.
George Hill
It’s downright hilarious (and possibly blasphemous) that George Hill said that God was the only thing scarier than LeBron James playing a basketball game.
Fortunately for him, he experienced playing with the King during his stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Paul Millsap
During his time with the Atlanta Hawks, Paul Millsap was thwarted by James in the playoffs time and time again.
The fact that he moved to the West to make a push for a championship the same time James did was funny (and frustrating) to him.
DeMar DeRozan and Paul George
DeRozan and George were stars of rival teams in the Easter Conference during James’ stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat.
The George-led Indiana Pacers could have gotten to at least one NBA Finals if it wasn’t for LeBron. Meanwhile, James dominated the Toronto Raptors so much that fans joked about the Canadian city being called LeBronto.
Kendrick Perkins
Kendrick Perkins may now be known more for his wild takes than his playing career, but he was a key rotation piece during the Boston Celtics’ 2008 title run.
They faced the Cavaliers back then, and Perkins would be the first one to let you know how afraid he was of LeBron despite having Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen on the team.
Draymond Green
The Golden State Warriors may have won more NBA Finals than the Cavs, but that doesn’t mean Draymond Green and company aren’t wary of LeBron.
Green isn’t shy about letting people know how he has had teammates who flinch at the thought of playing against James.
LeBron James is a feared (and respected) basketball icon
James may not be as dominant in the Lakers as he was during his peak years, but he’s shown time and time again that he can take over games even at his old age.
That fact begets fear and respect, regardless of what Shaq and others think.
