Why LeBron James Really Wishes He Could Play For A Coach Like Gregg Popovich

There may not be a more universally respected coach in the NBA than San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich. The Spurs have only fallen below a .610 winning percentage once during his regime — his first year with a David Robinson-less team — and it’s not a stretch to say that Popovich is one of the best coaches in the history of the Association. He’s also a beloved figure among some of the best players in the game. His snarky, grouchy demeanor belies his huge heart, and his basketball mind is second to none.

One NBA star who wishes he was around Popovich more is LeBron James. During Friday’s media session in Toronto for All-Star weekend, James started talking about the man who has castigated the media for their criticisms of LeBron’s game and free agency decisions. James says that he wishes he could be around the three-time NBA Coach of the Year every day. While LeBron has won two titles with the Miami Heat under Erik Spoelstra and he’s been to the NBA Finals for a solid half decade, teaming with Popovich would almost be unfair.

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We’ll hopefully get a glimpse of what James might look like on a Pop-led basketball team for USA Basketball. After the 2016 Olympics, Popovich will take over for Coach K, and while LeBron has vacillated on his commitment to the National team in the past, we doubt he’ll pass up a chance to actually play for Pop.