ALL-STAR GAME: TEAM GIANNIS VS. TEAM LEBRON

February 19, 2023

LeBron James

Team LeBron

Press Conference

Team Giannis - 184, Team LeBron - 175

Q. LeBron, now that you've been through it, what do you think of the live draft process, and what was the moment that you enjoyed the most out of that?

LEBRON JAMES: I think the fan interaction that we got. You know, I thought it was okay. I liked the last format. I liked the format on TV. I think it was a little bit -- it looked fun, more fun, cooler, whatever the case may be.

But, you know, it's always good to try some things and see how we can get better with things. Especially with our game. It's always great to have an opportunity to try new formats, new ways to spice up the game, spice up the viewership and things of that nature.

All in all, though, it's been a great All-Star Weekend. I think everybody who was a part of it should feel really good about it. And salute to Salt Lake for hosting it.

Q. What happened to your hand? How is it? Was the plan always to be some version of this --

LEBRON JAMES: Coach Malone is a defense-minded coach. I had him in my early days in Cleveland. I told him I would get one stop tonight for him. I tried to get one little chase-down block, and got my finger caught in the rim. But I'll be fine. I'll be fine. I don't think it's too much to worry about. For precautionary reasons, I just had to take the rest of the night off.

Q. LeBron, not every day you get to pick your own teammates. Picked Kyrie second among your starters. What was it like having him as a teammate tonight, and what's the relationship like between you guys?

LEBRON JAMES: You know, it's the first time for us being teammates, so (smiling) -- no, it's always great to team back up with Kyrie. You know how I feel about him both on the court and off the court. It's always good to see him.

I'm very proud of him. Very proud much the man that he has become in his life right now. So All-Star Weekend is always great to get an opportunity to be around the guys that you watch play, that you admire play, that you compete against, but that you just love the way they play the game of basketball. So tonight was another instance.

Q. LeBron, earlier today we asked you in a million ways, like, has it sunk in being the all-time leading scorer, but tonight you were introduced as that, and then you stood on that stage with Kareem and Karl Malone. What was all that like?

LEBRON JAMES: It's a surreal feeling. You know, obviously, I didn't get an opportunity to watch Kareem live, but I know the history of the game. I got an opportunity to watch a lot of his games, the replays or seeing footage of him.

I did get an opportunity to watch a lot of Karl Malone games live. To see the way they graced the court with their ability, you have the physicality of Malone's game, but he has some finesse as well with his mid-range jump shot, with his ability to run the floor and beat point guards and shooting guards down the floor. Kareem's game, a unique game that no one has ever been able to try to patent or try to steal from.

They were just so dominant in their eras. They were so unique in their own game. It's the reason that they are two of the all-time greatest basketball players that this world has ever seen.

That moment for me is, like, I'm standing in between these guys, and I'm, like, it's such a surreal feeling. Growing up -- I know you hear this story over and over, but it's just a part of my DNA. Growing up in Akron, Ohio, and thinking about playing games to 21 or 33 with my brothers and my friends growing up, we always would try to emulate certain players.

And to be mentioned with some of the greatest to ever play this game, along with Karl and along with Kareem, it's just an honor for sure.

Q. LeBron, what were your thoughts on Mac McClung's performance last night in the Dunk Contest?

LEBRON JAMES: He solidified himself as one of the -- probably one of the greatest slam dunk competitors that we've had in the history of the game.