Lakers Rumors

Report: Source Close to LeBron James Says His Competitiveness Can Be Oppressive, Overwhelming and Anti-Social

Published by
Peter Dewey

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is the ultimate competitor.

The three-time NBA champion has been to nine NBA Finals in his career, including a magnificent stretch where his team made the Finals in eight consecutive seasons.

However, that competitiveness takes a toll, according to a source close to James.

“LeBron’s competitiveness can be oppressive, overwhelming, and anti-social,” TrueHoop’s Henry Abbott wrote. “A source who knows him well calls it the ‘most under told story in sports.’ He struggles to be around the normally motivated, gets impatient with those who don’t work as hard as he does, and has little tolerance for mistakes.

“Most years, his teams pay a psychic tax. This year the calculus is a bit different, and not just because he’s in phenomenal physical condition. He is also happily paired with the well-liked Anthony Davis, who has the effect of softening LeBron.”

James has been known to push his teammates, but it is also what has made his teams so successful.

This season, he has led the Lakers to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

James is having yet another MVP-caliber year, averaging 25.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 10.6 assists per game as he looks to bring a title back to Los Angeles.

The Lakers will resume the 2019-20 NBA season on July 30 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Peter Dewey

Peter is a graduate of Quinnipiac University where he covered the MAAC and college basketball for three years. He has worked for NBC Sports, the Connecticut Sun and the Meriden Record-Journal covering basketball and other major sports. Follow him on Twitter @peterdewey2.

Published by
Peter Dewey

Recent Posts

LeBron James goes full UNC as he chastises OKC Thunder kid behind Lakers bench

The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping they haven't met their match in the second round…

May 8, 2026

Ric Flair continues to take shots at Luka Doncic while praising LeBron James

Ric Flair praised Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James on social media on Thursday while…

May 7, 2026

Emmanuel Acho eviscerates Austin Reaves after Game 1: ‘In the playoffs, [he] goes ghost’

Emmanuel Acho did not hold back when discussing Austin Reaves’ performance in Game 1 of…

May 6, 2026

Rich Paul: NBA players tell kids not to sign with Klutch because they hate LeBron

Prominent sports agent and founder of Klutch Sports Group Rich Paul has close ties to…

May 5, 2026

JJ Redick gives Lakers brutal reality check vs. Thunder: ‘They don’t foul’

The Los Angeles Lakers took care of business in the first round of the playoffs…

May 4, 2026

Shaq criticizes Lakers for playing ‘hero ball’ in Game 5 loss: ‘I’m super disappointed’

Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal was critical of the team following L.A.’s Game 5…

April 30, 2026