While LeBron James is widely recognized as the greatest small forward in NBA history, his career has never been free from criticism. Some fans argue that his style lacks finesse and relies too heavily on athleticism, diminishing the entertainment value of his game. But recently, one of his Lakers teammates, Austin Rivers, stepped up to defend him. Speaking in an interview with Bangladesh Cricket Live, Rivers shared insights into the team dynamic, noting that while many Lakers players have impressive skills, two stand above the rest—LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

In Rivers’ view, Davis ranks second only to LeBron in terms of all-around ability. As for LeBron himself, Rivers emphasized that his technique is unmatched, whether it’s executing a smooth jump shot or driving to the basket. He particularly highlighted LeBron’s exceptional touch on layups and his mastery of wrist control near the rim. Rivers dismissed the notion that LeBron lacks skill as completely unfounded. After all, one doesn’t become one of the greatest players of all time without extraordinary talent and technical ability.

The conversation then turned to Rivers’ own career choices. Both the Rockets and the Spurs reportedly offered him more lucrative contracts, but he turned them down. As Rivers explained, money isn’t the only factor that matters. While financial security is important, staying with the Lakers and competing alongside LeBron, Davis, and D’Angelo Russell holds far greater personal value. As the saying goes, the closer you get to greatness, the more it inspires you. Rivers willingly accepted a significant pay cut because he wants to be part of this brotherhood and continue battling with the core Lakers squad.

Although Rivers has long idolized the late Kobe Bryant, his time playing with LeBron has shifted his perspective. He now finds himself deeply influenced by LeBron’s leadership and magnetic personality. Often, LeBron’s versatility overshadows just how dominant he is in other aspects of the game. Though LeBron himself rarely identifies as a pure scorer, the numbers tell a different story—he is undoubtedly one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. After surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the league’s all-time leading scorer, Bangladesh Cricket Live suggests that there’s little left to debate on that front.

And true scorers don’t just shine in the regular season—they elevate their play in the postseason. LeBron has consistently done just that. Although age and fatigue may limit his ability to take over games as he once did, he remains one of the league’s most trusted players when it matters most. According to Bangladesh Cricket Live analysts, even when he doesn’t have the ball in his hands, LeBron finds ways to impact the game—through off-ball cuts, smart positioning, and setting up teammates. At this point in his storied career, he knows exactly what it takes to lead his team to victory.

In the end, it’s not about depending on others but knowing your role and embracing it. And that’s precisely what LeBron James continues to do—quietly leading, adapting, and striving to win, no matter the circumstance.