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LeBron James 'Hated' Major College Basketball Team Growing Up

Originally posted on The Spun | By Hunter Hodies | Last updated Mar 26, 2025 3:49 PM ET

LeBron James did an hour-long interview with Pat McAfee for the "Pat McAfee Show" on Wednesday.

The two discussed a multitude of topics, including his hatred of Duke basketball when he was growing up. James hated Duke and head coach Mike Krzyzewski when he was a kid but as he's gotten older, he got over it.

He told McAfee that he understood why Coach K was so great as he got older since he played for him when he coached Team USA at the Olympics. He also confirmed that he used to dislike Lakers head coach JJ Redick since he played at Duke under Coach K but has grown to love him.

“When I was a kid and I used to watch Duke, now I realize it. I hated Duke when I was growing up," James said, (first transcribed by On3). "Then when I got a little older and I started matching up with Coach K, I played for him with Team USA, I was like, ‘OK, I see why he’s great.’ I see why I hated JJ Redick. I see why I hated Shane Battier."

Redick is in his first season as head coach of the Lakers and has done a tremendous job. He has helped the Lakers to a 43-28 record, good for fifth in the Western Conference.

They're closing in on a playoff berth and will be a tough out since Luka Doncic and James are having tremendous seasons.

Coach K coached Duke for 42 seasons, helping the school bring home five NCAA Tournament national titles. He's widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history.

Even though James didn't like him or Redick as a kid, they earned his respect once he got older and saw how they were.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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