LeBron James won’t say Warriors are best team he’s faced

LeBron James stated that the 2017 Golden State Warriors were “up there” in terms of challenging teams, but not the most challenging.

LeBron James is the NBA’s unquestioned king of the court but he’s also the king of passive aggressive behavior in the media. James and his Cleveland Cavaliers are preparing for their third consecutive NBA Finals appearance against the Golden State Warriors and this perhaps is the most ballyhooed match-up of the three.

James, who’s heroic play last season against the 73-9 Warriors team will always be remembered, will be facing an even more stacked squad. The Warriors leveled up and convinced Kevin Durant to join their squad last summer, making the Warriors even more potent. James, a veteran NBA player who had to go through many tough teams, gives this Warriors squad credit for being a tough match-up but he isn’t quick to say this is the toughest team he’s faced.

"“It’s probably up there,” James told reporters Sunday after practice about the toughest teams he’s faced in his career. “I mean, it’s up there.”"

James pointed out the difficulties of facing the San Antonio Spurs back-to-back Finals in 2013-2014.

"“I’ve played against four Hall of Famers as well, too, with Manu (Ginobili), Kawhi (Leonard), Tony (Parker) and Timmy D (Tim Duncan) on the same team. And if you add Pop (coach Gregg Popovich) in there, that’s five Hall of Famers. So, it’s going to be very challenging.”"

And, he couldn’t forget about playing the legendary Big three that played for the Boston Celtics.

"“I’ve played against Ray (Allen), KG (Kevin Garnett), Paul (Pierce), (Rajon) Rondo and Doc (Rivers),” James said."

Next: NBA Finals Preview: Who has the most at stake?

James full well knows the aforementioned teams don’t hold a candle to the talent the Warriors have but he’s smart enough to not let them know that.