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Gary Payton II gives insight on LeBron James: 'Good human, family dude'

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By Titan Frey | Last updated Aug 11, 2025 12:53 PM ET

When it comes to celebrities, we make judgments about them based on our observations. Whether it’s an actor or a sports star, we often assume they are a certain way based solely on their outward appearance.

Gary Payton II has a personal relationship with LeBron, and he recently spoke about how LeBron really is off the court.

“Good human, family dude,” Payton said. “On the court, he’s one guy, and off the court, he’s a family man. He’s amazing. Humble.”

“I’ve known Bron since he was in high school,” Payton continued. “I was a young kid, he used to come over to my dad’s house in Vegas when he was doing all his AAU stuff and whatnot.”

(Starts at 36:13)

LeBron really does appear to be a good person, and especially a great father to his children. And at 40 years old, he’s still one of the best players in the NBA. That’s an achievement no one else in NBA history can make.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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