by LeBron praises DeRozan’s consistency and describes the Kings’ immediate impact, originally featured on NBC Sports Bay Area
Game recognizes game.
And when you’ve been in the game for more than two decades, like Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James in the NBA, you have a greater appreciation for those who follow a similar path.
DeMar DeRozan is in his first season with the Kings, but already in his 16th year in the league. While DeRozan has said in the past that he has no intention of pursuing 22 or more seasons in the NBA like James, the four-time NBA MVP praised DeRozan’s steadfast consistency since entering the league in 2009.
“It’s not just physical, it’s mental, being able to keep going season after season,” James told reporters in Sacramento before Thursday night’s Kings vs. Lakers game at the Golden 1 Center (h/t FOX40’s Sean Cunningham). “Being able to come year after year and still have that motivation when you’re able to put in two decades like I did or over a decade and a half. If you look at Deebo, his consistency since he came into the league. “He’s just gotten better and better and he’s always been available.
“This guy is on the floor, regardless of whether he was in one [Toronto] Raptors uniform or one [San Antonio] Spores uniform or [Chicago] Bulls or here now – he was always available. So you definitely look for inspiration from guys, not just in our sport but in other sports that are still playing at a high level no matter what year they play.”
DeRozan is averaging 22.5 points on 49.3 percent shooting along with 3.9 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 22 games with Sacramento this season.
He is one of the most respected players in the league, known and praised for his reliability, but also of course for his undeniable talent and scoring ability.
That’s why DeRozan’s immediate impact on the Kings came as no surprise to James.
“He makes an instant impact wherever he goes,” James said. “It doesn’t matter whether he stays here for the rest of his career or somewhere else [else]he will make a difference. He’s that type of player.”
James is averaging 22.8 points on 49.2 percent shooting, with 8.0 rebounds and 9.1 assists in 24 games this season.
Father Time hasn’t caught up with James or DeRozan yet, and the respect and admiration is widespread.
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