Insider Names 1 Player Who Could Intimidate LeBron James

Defense is obviously important during a game of basketball and some NBA stars are better than others when it comes to it.

Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors recently said that Jrue Holiday, Tony Allen, and Ron Artest have been the toughest defenders he’s battled against during his time in the league.

Brian Windhorst added to that statement on ESPN, saying that Artest is “probably the only player or one of the very, very few that I saw physically intimidate LeBron James during his career.”

Windhorst noted that Artest made James’ life difficult during his early years with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

He also said that there is a reason Curry mentioned Artest even though he’s been out of the league for several years.

His defense is that memorable.

“Ron Artest is probably the only player or one of the very, very few that I saw physically intimidate LeBron James during his career… I would say one of the best defenders of the last 20 years without a question.”

—Brian Windhorst

Thoughts? ?pic.twitter.com/iO4wniH2E9

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 2, 2023

It’s not every day that someone gets under James’ skin.

But Artest really was built differently.

He spent 17 years in the league and racked up a ton of accolades and honors, such as being a member of the All-NBA team in 2003-04, an All-Star, and a champion.

He was also named Defensive Player of the Year in 2003-04, which really shows just how intimidating he was.

Artest had an ability to not only slow down other players, no matter their size, but he also got into their heads too.

This resulted in plenty of missed shots and blocks but it also led to some scuffles on the court.

He was part of the notorious “Malice at the Palace” in 2004 which led to him missing most of the season due to suspension.

Artest was a unique and challenging defender.

The fact that he is still being talked about after being out of the league for more than five years proves that.

NEXT: 
Chet Holmgren Refuses To Rank Jordan, LeBron, And Kobe