LeBron's comments on Tatum may finally change media narrative

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, right, defended by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James' comments on Jayson Tatum may finally change media narrative

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 3/19/24

LeBron James praised Jayson Tatum during the debut episode of his "Mind The Game" podcast with JJ Redick.

The veteran superstar noted that the Boston Celtics star's postseason success is 'elite' for his age. His comments on the Eastern Conference star go against the grain of the current media narrative.

“I think we have a lot of expectations on JT, but he’s experienced a lot of winning in his career so far,” James said. “Obviously, everyone wants to see him get over the hump. But four conference finals and a finals appearance before the age of 26 is elite. He’s continued to grow and they are in a position where they can make another title run ... He’s been to the conference finals four times, been to obviously the NBA Finals once. I didn’t win my first one till I was 28. I think (Nikola Jokic) won his first one at 27. I think (Michael Jordan) was 28, as well."

Tatum has widely been cast as a player who stumbles in big games. His record in the Eastern Conference Finals is used to discredit his ability to lead a team to a championship. However, very few players have Tatum's postseason track record on his resume.

The Celtics are expected to win their 18th championship this season. Tatum will be at the forefront of the playoff push as he's been thriving in a point-forward role on Joe Mazzulla's team. However, despite his team's dominance throughout the regular season, the media narrative surrounding him remains unchanged.

Now that James has given Tatum his seal of approval, the Celtics star may begin to be viewed in a different light. After all, LeBron is arguably the greatest player in league history. If he's stamping someone as an elite talent, it's worth sitting up and taking notice.

Nevertheless, if Tatum wants to shed his label as someone who fumbles in big games, he will need to win a championship. Right now, that project is the only logical option for the St. Louis native.

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