In a recent appearance on the Gilbert Arenas podcast, NBA Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway made headlines with his remarks about LeBron James’ performance in clutch situations. Hardaway questioned James’ ability to make game-winning shots on his own, suggesting that the Los Angeles Lakers star often relies on his teammates to deliver in critical moments.
Hardaway’s comments have sparked a heated debate among basketball fans and analysts. During the podcast, Hardaway stated,
“If you have a team that can stop you from making shots and you go on the other end and you know you have that one guy who can make shots like Luka, like Kobe, like Michael, you see how I didn’t name LeBron because he can’t do it. Like Kyrie Irving, like Steph… I’m just telling the truth. When I need a basket I can’t go to you. he couldn’t go to himself. Who did he go to for game? He had to go to Kyrie Irving..”
Tim Hardaway Sr absolutely DESTROYS Lebron 🔥🔥🔥🔥
” If you have a team that can stop you from making shots and you go on the other end and you know you have that one guy who can make shots like Luka, like Kobe, like Michael, you see how i didnt name Lebron because he cant do… pic.twitter.com/mBCXyBtRSk
— Thetruth (@Thetruth8240) February 23, 2025
Hardaway was referring to the 2016 NBA Finals, where Kyrie Irving hit the decisive three-pointer to help the Cleveland Cavaliers secure the championship over the Golden State Warriors.
This criticism is not new for James, who has faced similar scrutiny throughout his career. Despite being one of the most accomplished players in NBA history, with four MVP awards and numerous clutch performances, James has often been labeled as “not clutch” due to his willingness to pass the ball to open teammates in crucial moments. This narrative overlooks the many game-winning shots and key plays James has made over the years.
James’ approach to the game has always been team-oriented. He has consistently emphasized making the best play for his team, whether that means taking the shot himself or trusting his teammates to deliver. This philosophy has led to significant success, including four NBA championships and numerous playoff victories.
