The NBA bubble in Orlando, Fla. has allowed players to see each other very openly in close quarters.
Boston Celtics point guard Kemba Walker told Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report how he recently saw Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James walking around with teammates in a very comfortable state.
Kemba Walker speaks on the experience being around players like Bron in the NBA bubble. @TaylorRooks pic.twitter.com/ccFMdvsS3g
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 16, 2020
“Whenever you go downstairs, you’re going to see somebody,” Walker said. “Like, the other night, me and J.T. (Jayson Tatum) was walking to get some food and we seen Bron. We seen Bron walk in. We seen Bron, J.R. [Smith], Jared Dudley and Kuz (Kyle Kuzma). It’s rare. It’s very rare to see Bron walking by himself and being comfortable. Like, I was telling somebody that he probably haven’t done that since he was probably nine years old. Like being able to be so comfortable just walking around and not worrying about people coming up to him and being bothered, asking for something. Now, he’s just regular, you know? Not regular, but he’s able to be comfortable and walk around comfortably, so I think that’s pretty cool.”
James, 35, is arguably the most popular player in NBA history.
As a result of James’ high popularity, he is always under scrutiny and has to tend to numerous things. However, the bubble grants him tons of freedom.
Players don’t have to travel, conduct in-person media sessions and interact with fans.
Still, James is focused on bringing a title to Los Angeles. The Lakers are the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
On the season, the four-time MVP is averaging 25.7 points, 10.6 assists and 7.9 rebounds per game. James has provided phenomenal production and sound leadership to the Lakers.
As for Walker, he is posting 21.2 points, 4.9 assists and 4.1 rebounds per contest this season. The Celtics are in the No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference.
The 2019-20 campaign resumes on July 30.
