Steve Kerr loved coaching LeBron James at Olympics

Steve Kerr loved coaching LeBron James at Olympics

After several years of ongoing battles, Golden State Warriors and Team USA head coach Steve Kerr finally had Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James on his side for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

To nobody’s surprise, Kerr relished it, calling it a “blessing” after USA’s Gold Medal victory over France Saturday.

“LeBron, what a blessing to coach him finally after all these years of coaching against him and trying to figure out how to beat him,” Kerr told reporters Saturday. “To watch him up close, I’ve said this these past few weeks, just to see his approach, to see his professionalism, how coachable he is and then of course just how gifted he is at everything. Every part of the game he seems to have mastered. I’m thrilled to have been able to coach him these last six weeks and I’m a LeBron fan for life.”

James played alongside two of the best players in his era in Stephen Curry–appearing in his first-ever Olympic games–and Kevin Durant. Kerr has been fortunate enough to coach Curry since joining Golden State ahead of 2014-15 and Durant from 2016-19.

Kerr, 58, has won four titles as head coach of Golden State, three coming against James-led teams when he was with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kerr also took over as USA’s head coach in 2021 while James hasn’t been a part of the Olympic team since 2012.

LeBron James was nothing short of stupendous throughout the tournament. He averaged 14.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 8.5 assists and 1.3 assists in six games, shooting 66.0 percent from the floor, 30.8 percent from 3-point range and 73.3 percent from the free-throw line. He tallied a triple-double in the semifinal game against Serbia, posting 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.

I’m sure there was a big sigh of relief from Kerr over the multi-week journey. I would too if I had not only one of the greatest basketball players, but greatest athletes ever on my side. Now, it’s back to the meat-grinder for both Golden State and Los Angeles after both teams made the play-in last season.

***

Subscribe to Vendetta’s Twitch

Subscribe to Vendetta’s YouTube

Check out the Vendetta Shop

Click here for more NBA content