LeBron James has played with potential Hall of Famers — Shaquille O'Neal, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Kevin Love, et al. — in his 13 NBA seasons. He's been idolized himself and compared to the great Michael Jordan. James also played with Kobe Bryant on Team USA, but the player that James holds in the highest regard my surprise you.
It's a player that has just a 5.5 points-per-game career scoring average and was selected 48 picks after James in the 2003 NBA Draft. That's right, Cavs reserve James Jones. "He's my favorite player of all time," James said, via ESPN.
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Jones, who has been James' teammate in Miami and Cleveland the past five seasons, has been a part of some of James' most successful years in the NBA.
"I told J.J., as long as I'm playing, he's going to be around," James said. "He's not allowed to stop playing basketball. So, I'm going to make sure I got a roster spot for him. I love him. He's the greatest teammate I've ever had."
Referred to as a constant professional, Jones, who also serves as the secretary-treasurer of the NBAPA, is also highly regarded by Love and J.R. Smith.
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"I go to him with everything," Love said. "Whether it's the game, personal life, we talk about everything. He's a guy, I'm always just picking his brain."
Smith agrees, "If there is anybody to look up to as a veteran, it's definitely (Jones)."