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LeBron James: Devin Booker most disrespected player in NBA
Dec 18, 2020; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) against Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during a preseason game at Phoenix Suns Arena.  Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has never been shy to speak his mind.

Whether he is suggesting that the Brooklyn Nets are a little overhyped right now, explaining why he didn’t like his teammate’s attempted buzzer-beater or calling out Cleveland Cavaliers execs – James always tells it how it is.

On Tuesday, after the reserves for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game were announced, James spoke truth once more.

As far as he is concerned, there was a glaring omission this year that needs to be recognized.

That omission?

Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns.

“Devin Booker is the most disrespected player in our league,” he tweeted. “Simple as that.”

The second most disrespected player? Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers.

“Followed by Dame Dolla,” James followed up.

It’s hard to argue with James’ assessment.

Booker is averaging 24.7 points and 4.3 assists per outing while shooting 50% from the field, 38% from beyond the arc and 84% from the free-throw line. Moreover, his Suns have continued to build on the momentum established in last year’s bubble and are currently the No. 4 seed in the West.

Similarly, even though Lillard made it as a reserve this year, he quite clearly deserved a starting gig. Luka Doncic, who got the starting spot instead of him, admitted this much

Lillard is averaging 29.6 points and 8.0 assists per outing while shooting 44.7% from the field, 37.9% from beyond the arc and 93.4% from the free0throw line. Despite a plethora of injuries hitting his squad, he has somehow kept the short-handed Blazers at No. 6 in the West.

Booker and Booker definitely aren’t getting the credit they deserve this season.

James is one of the most knowledgeable basketball minds in the game today, and his observation regarding the league’s two most disrespected players was ultimately right on the money.

This article first appeared on Game 7 and was syndicated with permission.

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