Michael Laughlin/Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Larry Sanders explains what changed his opinion of LeBron James after joining him in Cleveland

Originally posted on HITC | By Luca Rosano | Last updated Nov 21, 2025 8:36 AM ET

Larry Sanders and LeBron James matched up 14 times during their NBA careers.

LeBron James finished with an 11-3 record in those games, including a clean sweep in the Playoffs, going 4-0.

Sanders later joined forces with James after signing with the Cavaliers in March 2017. His time there was brief, though, playing just five games before being let go the following month.

Even in that short window, Sanders noticed something about James that shifted his perception of him.

Larry Sanders changed his opinion on LeBron after joining the Cavaliers

Around that same time in 2017, when Larry spent just over a month around LeBron and his team, there were plenty of criticisms being thrown at James.

But from what Larry saw first-hand behind closed doors – especially watching how tightly-knit LeBron’s inner circle seemed – none of those negative stories lined up with his own experience.

Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

How Larry Sanders came to understand LeBron James’ frustration with officials

Sanders and James crossed paths several times during their NBA careers. They even met in the first round of the 2013 playoffs, where the Miami Heat swept the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite having faced off multiple times, it wasn’t until Sanders joined the Cavaliers that he started to see things differently.

He had always thought James complained a lot about officiating, but being on the same team gave him a new perspective.

“I think it’s a difficult job for the referees, when you have guys who you have that much talent and that much size.

“Playing with LeBron in Cleveland, playing against him, I was like, ‘he cries a lot’.

“Then playing with him, like ‘he gets no calls’, because he’s so strong and dominant.

“And I think Giannis is the same, if they called every foul, it would just slow the game down tremendously.”

Is LeBron James on track for a Fifth NBA Title this year?

LeBron James, now in his 23rd NBA season, is chasing a fifth championship and his second with the Los Angeles Lakers. He kicked off the year against the Utah Jazz, putting up 11 points and 12 assists over 30 minutes of play.

For the first time in his career, James isn’t the primary focus of his team, which could end up working in his favour.

The Lakers are currently fourth in the West. However, the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, and Oklahoma City Thunder have all looked like strong contenders early on.

Even so, getting through two of those teams just to reach the NBA Finals would be a big ask. Right now, it’s hard to see James adding another ring this season.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: