Joakim Noah’s long-running feud with LeBron James spanned years as the Chicago Bulls big man faced off against the then-Cleveland Cavaliers forward. However, it was usually played off as a competitive back-and-forth between players. This time, Noah talks about how he hated James, who seemed always to be the Eastern Conference finalist.
Joakim Noah Respects LeBron James So Much It Hurts
The retired big man explains how difficult it was to face the James-led Cavaliers during his time in the East. While he hates how the Bulls always lost, he can’t help but give his rival’s flowers on The OGs Show.
He talks about how constant losses grind one’s psyche and confidence down. This made him dislike James anytime they faced each other. Noah has nothing against the Cavaliers and their home city for this feud.
“Well, people have to understand it had nothing to do with Cleveland. It had everything to do with that motherf–ker, LeBron James. Every year, you’re losing. You know you have to get through him. That’s where it came from.”
Joakim Noah
The big man was most miffed by James’ pre-game antics. Specifically, he hated it when the superstar danced before the game. He even does it with the Los Angeles Lakers.
“LeBron was so good, he was stunting on us. He over here dancing before the game, I see this s–t. This s–t drove me f–king nuts so I had to let ’em know. Now, people think it’s like I [hate Cleveland]. There’s other cities that are just as wack as Cleveland.”
Joakim Noah
Ultimately, both players have an innate respect for one another that was twisted through competition.
The East Versus West Dynasties Of The Mid 2010s
Life in the East wasn’t easy when the 20-time All-Star was with the Cavaliers. Teams had to avoid him like the plague if they wanted a chance to win. However, that’s impossible during the playoffs, as the forward always found himself in the Conference Finals.
There was mutual respect between both parties. Meanwhile, the competitive nature of basketball brought out the negatives from both.
His two rings with the Miami Heat made many consider James the king of basketball. However, there was a kingslayer in the West in the Golden State Warriors dynasty.
Noah’s trip down memory lane shows the long-gone history of both teams. Despite the time passed, both players still haven’t reconciled their differences.
