Mo Williams on LeBron James' 2014 return to Cleveland Cavaliers: 'His game just matured, everything got better'
LeBron James
is all set to make a record by playing the most number of seasons in the
NBA
when he returns to the court next season. The Los Angeles Lakers star has improved his game almost every season and showed a stark difference in his performance when he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers before and after a four-year break, during which he joined the Miami Heat.
His former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Mo Williams has revealed how he was much more mature and every bit a better basketball player when he returned to the team after his time with the Miami Heat.
Mo Williams on how LeBron James was a better player when he returned to Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014
LeBron James started his NBA career with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 when he was the first overall pick of the 2003 NBA Draft. He spent seven years with the team before leaving to join the Miami Heat. After four years with the Heat, he returned to the Cavaliers and spent four more years with the team.
Talking about LeBron James' two stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers during his appearance on The Draymond Green Show, Mo Williams said James showed maturity in all the little things when he returned to the team after spending four years with the Miami Heat.
He said, 'The first time I was there, he did all the things he was doing when he got back, but he was doing it better and more precisely [the second time]. He had it dialled in.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here]
Esseps
Learn More
Undo
When they talk about him taking care of his body, he was doing that the first time, but when I got with him the second time, it was like clockwork.
'You know what time he's going to get to the game. You know he's going to be at shootaround when we get there. You know he's going to be at the gym before the first bus gets there. You know when he's getting a massage. I still remember that routine because I saw it so much every single day.
That was the difference I saw. And obviously, that translated to the court, just off him playing games and getting older, and just being one of the greatest players,' he added.
Counting all the areas in which James showed improvement, Williams said, 'His game just matured, and everything got better. He shot the ball a whole lot better. I think that's one of the biggest things that… that part of his game obviously kept growing.
The decision-making was sharper, understanding the spots where you can get a bucket when he wanted to. I think he's always had a great feel for the game.'
Also Read:
LeBron James on playing alongside son Bronny James: 'This whole year has been one of the most satisfying journeys'
James is currently spending all his time with his family in the offseason. The Los Angeles Lakers ended their run in the NBA championship several weeks before the finals when they lost in the playoffs to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
New York Knicks remain interested in free agent Ben Simmons as teams await his final decision in free agency
New York Knicks are interested in Ben Simmons (Image via Instagram / @bensimmons) According to reports, the New York Knicks are still considering Ben Simmons. The Knicks are still in the running for guard/forward Ben Simmons, a free agent, according to Ian Begley of SNY. He recently claimed that New York's overall salary cap of $207.8 million will reportedly allow the team to sign a rookie free agent and a veteran to a minimum contract. New York Knicks eye Ben Simmons for final roster spot amid limited free agency options This time of year, there aren't many storylines in the NBA summer. However, the NBA front offices are still working to improve the roster. The coaching staff of the New York Knicks has already undergone significant changes. Ian Begley of SNY recently reported that three-time All-Star Ben Simmons, who is still unsigned in free agency, is now getting a lot of interest from the New York Knicks. After playing for the Philadelphia 76ers for four seasons, the Brooklyn Nets for three, and the Los Angeles Clippers for a half-year, he is making his first foray into free agency. Stating the same, Ian Begley said: 'Ben Simmons is certainly a candidate for the Knicks' final roster spot. As of earlier this week, New York continued to show strong interest in signing Simmons as teams in on Simmons await his decision. He's garnered interest from several teams around the league. The Knicks also have maintained interest in Landry Shamet for that final roster spot..' Ben Simmons is looking for a team (Image via Instagram / @bensimmons) As per the same report, the competing teams are awaiting his decision. Ben Simmons' addition to the New York Knicks has some advantages. He is quite large and has significant defensive activity. Despite his offensive shortcomings, he is still a skilled passer, especially when the floor is open. However, he might not feel the need to join the team after earning more than $203 million in his NBA career to date. Furthermore, he probably would have signed by now if he had received stronger contractual offers. His choices are limited since the teams have already spent all of their money, but the New York Knicks are still interested in him. Also read: The Phoenix Suns and the New York Knicks eye Darvin Ham for coaching staff shake-up For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Luka Doncic wants LeBron James to finish his career with Los Angeles Lakers despite growing tensions
Luka Doncic opened up about LeBron James (Image via Instagram / @lukadoncic) NBA icon Luka Doncic recently expressed his opinions clearly regarding playing with another giant, LeBron James . In recent weeks, the relationship between two players has been in the news. This happened particularly after a number of stories indicated that the four-time NBA champion wasn't overly happy about the team focusing on the new player from a business and game perspective. Meanwhile, according to a recent Dallas Hoops Journal report, Luka Doncic doesn't want the NBA's all-time top scorer to push but to finish his career in purple and gold. Luka Doncic opens up about LeBron James while staying in the Los Angeles Lakers amid trade rumors LeBron James and Luka Doncic have a history. In a stunning trade that sent 2020 NBA champion Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for the Slovenian guard, the Los Angeles Lakers' front staff matched them together prior to the 2025 trade deadline. The Slovenian superstar has made his position clear behind closed doors. This happened despite mounting tensions about LeBron James' schedule and the team's decision to center itself around Luka Doncic. Additionally, rumors started circulating after Rich Paul's cryptic remarks went viral as the NBA giant decided to opt into the last year of his contract. Moreover, an ESPN report claiming that the NBA giant felt "disrespected" by the L.A. Lakers ' choice to switch to Luka Doncic further ignited a fire. However, neither the team's front office nor LeBron James' camp have formally pursued a trade or buyout. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic is making every effort to silence the commotion. According to him, the NBA icon will spend the rest of his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He wanted him to retire while wearing the yellow and purple jersey. LeBron James and Luka Doncic are L.A. Lakers' teammates (Image via Getty Images) Moreover, according to people close to the organization, Luka Doncic is actively recruiting around LeBron James rather than merely putting up with his presence. The NBA icon will get $52.6 million in the final year of his contract next season. It would be exactly what Luka Doncic wants if he decides to retire following the 2025–2026 season. On the other hand, this weekend, the 26-year-old Luka Doncic is anticipated to sign a contract extension with the L.A. Lakers. Also read: Lakers reportedly sidelining LeBron James from key decisions amid Luka Doncic era and team ownership shift For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
'We Are Underpaid': Why Stephen Curry Says NBA Stars Deserve More Than Just Massive Salaries
Stephen Curry's concern regarding underpayment of NBA stars (Image Source - Getty Images) Golden State Warriors legend Stephen Curry has long been seen as the face of modern basketball greatness - boasting four NBA titles, two MVPs, and a reputation as the greatest shooter in history. With career earnings surpassing $410 million, one might assume Curry has nothing to complain about financially. Yet the superstar recently made a bold claim: NBA players are underpaid. His reasoning, however, has less to do with salaries - and everything to do with ownership and equity. Stephen Curry's Key Argument: The CBA Locks Players Out of True Wealth Speaking in a recent interview, Stephen Curry made it clear that his issue isn't with the enormous paychecks NBA stars already receive. Instead, he pointed to the league's collective bargaining agreement (CBA) as the primary roadblock to greater financial fairness. Under current rules, active players are prohibited from holding equity stakes in the teams they play for or the NBA itself. 'I think, because of the way the CBA is structured right now, we can't participate in equity,' Curry explained. 'And that's a big deal because it is a partnership with ownership. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is this legal? Access all TV channels without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo It's a partnership with the league, and we're on the short term of that revenue.' In his view, this exclusion keeps players from benefiting from the long-term growth and profitability of the league they help drive. NBA Salaries Are Huge - But They Don't Tell the Whole Story Stephen Curry On Drake Loyalty, Retirement Date & Trash-Talking Kobe | 360 With Speedy Stephen Curry acknowledges that to most people, an NBA salary - especially his own - sounds outrageous. He is set to earn over $55 million during the 2024–2025 season, and that figure will approach $60 million the following year. Meanwhile, the average NBA salary sits around $12 million annually, among the highest in professional sports. But Curry insists the real money lies elsewhere. Since he entered the league in 2009, his own team's valuation has exploded. The Golden State Warriors were worth just over $300 million at the time - today, Forbes values them at over $9 billion. That growth, Curry argues, has been driven by the players' talent, visibility, and global reach - not just by front-office decisions or ownership strategy. The Missed Financial Upside: No Equity, No Long-Term Wealth Stephen Curry's central frustration is that while team owners see exponential returns on franchise value, players only collect taxable annual salaries - no matter how much the league profits from their success. While retired legends like Michael Jordan have found ownership opportunities post-career, the league still bars active players from doing the same. 'We want to be able to participate in that rise,' Curry said. 'Hopefully, sooner than later, those rules change a little bit so that players can participate more in the upside of team equity, the league, valuations, and all that type of stuff. Just because I think we deserve it.' With billion-dollar media rights deals and expanding global revenue, Curry believes equity access would create a fairer, more balanced system - especially for the superstars whose brands fuel the league's rapid growth. Is It Really About Greed? Curry Says No - it's About Fairness Unsurprisingly, Curry's comments have stirred mixed reactions. Some critics argue that millionaires complaining about being underpaid come off as tone-deaf. But Curry clarified that he isn't bemoaning his wealth or seeking pity. Rather, he sees this as a fairness issue, especially given how much value players create for franchises. He emphasizes that the goal isn't more salary - it's a stake in the future. Team owners, he says, can continue reaping the rewards of franchise growth for decades, while players - whose playing windows are short - don't get a long-term share of the pie. Looking Ahead: Could Equity Be Part of the Next NBA Labor Deal? With another round of labor negotiations on the horizon, Curry's comments may influence how players and the union approach the next CBA. There is growing momentum around the idea of allowing active players to hold equity, provided safeguards exist to avoid potential conflicts of interest. In an era where athletes are also investors, entrepreneurs, and media moguls, the NBA may need to modernize its rules to keep up with the evolving business of sports. If Stephen Curry's Underpaid, What Does That Say About the System? Stephen Curry's argument turns conventional thinking on its head. If someone making $60 million a year says he's underpaid, what does that mean for everyone else in the league - or for future players? The point isn't about pity - it's about structure. Why should those who carry the NBA on their backs not be allowed to participate in the long-term financial success they help build? If stars like LeBron James or Stephen Curry could invest in their franchises while still playing, it could mark a revolutionary shift in how professional athletes interact with their leagues. Curry's vision isn't just about money - it's about creating true partnerships between players and the sport they elevate. Also read: Jonathan Kuminga Eyes Exit From Golden State Warriors as Suns and Kings Make Aggressive $90M Payday Push Whether the NBA moves in that direction remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: when a generational talent like Stephen Curry speaks out, it has the power to spark meaningful change. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
