LeBron James and Draymond Green have matched up in the NBA Finals in the past four seasons, and there's no question they're rivals on the court. Off of it, however, they're good buddies. Draymond appeared in episode one of LeBron's new HBO/Uninterrupted series, The Shop, which debuted Tuesday night. It was a star-studded premiere, featuring Maverick Carter, Vince Staples, Jerrod Carmichael, Odell Beckham Jr., Candace Parker, Alvin Kamara, Jon Stewart, and Snoop Dogg.
During the episode, Draymond said LeBron should own that he's the best player in the world—and that LeBron blossomed when he embraced a me-against-the-world mantra. Here's how Green responded when Carter, LeBron's business partner at SpringHill Entertainment, asked whether LBJ should say on his own that he's the best player alive.
I think you should say that. I think you should believe that. And you should definitely let the world know that. I think 'Bron over the last four years became LeBron James. And it wasn't nothing to do with winning and it wasn't nothing to do with stats. He found himself. People didn't start to view him as they view him now, until he became that force, that man to say, 'I'm here.' I feel like for years, he shied away from saying 'I'm here.' And when he started to say, 'Fuck y'all, I'm here,' that's when he became who he is, and no one would have ever said that until he did it himself. Motherfuckers fucked with Mike because Mike was like, 'I'm Mike with my hoop earring. Fuck all y'all, I'm here.' And until he did that, that's when he became the figurehead that he is. So many people shy away from that and that's why they never reach their full potential.
Indeed, there's been a clear shift in LeBron's performance—and his public likability—since his return to Cleveland from Miami in 2014. Something has changed; maybe it's his attitude.
The episode also featured a discussion of race and how society treats black and white athletes differently.
Lakers' LeBron James and NY Giants' Odell Beckham Jr. discuss double standards for black athletes & white athletes & claustrophobia of fame
From James's new HBO Sports show 'The Shop' pic.twitter.com/UGpqOKpMmY
It was a promising and entertaining debut. The show will feature eight 30-minute episodes, released throughout the year. Episode one provided an authentic look at James' personality and sense of humor.
LeBron on that one dude in the shop pic.twitter.com/PPz4z5Q293
