“Playing with LeBron sucks”: Former NBA star Richard Jefferson explains why teaming up with James was challenging

Los Angeles Lakers icon LeBron James is widely recognized as one of the greatest—if not the greatest—players in National Basketball Association (NBA) history, as evidenced by his illustrious achievements, including being the league’s all-time leading scorer.

James continues to prove why he remains a contender for Greatest of All Time (GOAT) status, performing at an elite level at age 40 during the 2024–25 season. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, clearly emerging as the Lakers’ best player.

Seventeen-year NBA veteran Richard Jefferson played alongside James from 2015 to 2017 during their time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where LeBron played a key role in their 2016 NBA championship win.

The 45-year-old, while savoring his time both on and off the court with James, noted that it was tough for the majority of Cleveland’s players, as they had to live up to LeBron’s expectations.

“Playing with LeBron James sucks because you are trying to win a championship. He is one of the most competitive human beings in the history of American sports—and sports in general.

“Playing with LeBron SUCKS”

That’s reality when your trying to win at the highest level🗣️

➡️ https://t.co/DV6Pgao1PP pic.twitter.com/XGkDBwCa84

— Road Trippin’ Show🎧 (@RoadTrippinPod) July 16, 2025

Does it suck when you are showing up, and he has already been practicing for four hours? When he is watching film, and you mess up a play, and he is just like, ‘M***********, what are you doing?’ There were cons to playing with players that were so great that they demanded excellence,” Jefferson said during an appearance on the Road Trippin’ podcast.

Notably, James returned to Cleveland in 2014 for a second stint, having first started his professional career with the Cavaliers after being drafted by the franchise as the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. The superstar forward’s return was an unqualified success, as he led the Cavaliers to the 2016 NBA championship.

Jefferson, for his part, has James to thank for his lone NBA championship title in his long career. The former forward played for several teams in the league, including the New Jersey Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Denver Nuggets.

The 45-year-old retired from professional basketball on October 13, 2018, and has since transitioned to broadcasting with the YES Network and ESPN.

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