“If I were a general manager there are only four or five NBA players that I wouldn’t trade to get him right now.”
—Former NBA player and coach Danny Ainge

“At this age LeBron is better than anybody I’ve ever seen in 37 years in this business, including Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady. I’m willing to bet my company’s millions that he will meet those high expectations.”
—adidas recruiter Sonny Vaccaro

“We’re best friends. I brought him up to be his own man, to make good decisions. He hasn’t let me down.”
—LeBron’s mother Gloria

“He doesn’t want it for the money or for the fame like everybody thinks. He wants to play [in the NBA] because that’s his dream.”
—Gloria

“He’s the best high school player I’ve ever seen. I’m very guarded about saying that, because the last thing he needs is more hype. But I have never seen a better one.”
—Akron Beacon Journal columnist Terry Pluto

“I believe LeBron James would start on any NBA team today.”
—NBA and college great Bill Walton

"He's not intimidated by anyone. He has that swagger that most of the great ones have."
—Cavaliers coach Paul Silas

"I watch him every chance I get. I'm a big fan of his—what he stands for, how he conducts himself, how he's such a team player. He tries to play the right way. We don't have enough of that in the NBA."
—Former Pistons coach Larry Brown

"He seems to be an awfully nice kid. He seems to be shouldering the responsibilities well, and he seems to be understanding that his game can speak for itself. He hasn't disappointed us."
—NBA Commissioner David Stern

"He's the exception to almost every rule. His maturity is the thing that's the most startling about him. His basketball sense has gotten him to where he is."
—Nuggets head coach George Karl

"Forget the talent and the athletic ability, it's his maturity that's light-years ahead."
—Celtics head coach Doc Rivers

"He's the quickest study I've ever been around. He knows immediately when he makes a mistake."
—Former Cavs head coach Paul Silas

“I fantasize about LeBron's ability. He is the best player I have ever seen at this age.”
—Hall of Famer Rick Barry

“In order for him to go down as a great player, he needs to show leadership on a championship team.”
—NBA veteran Eric Snow

“He breaks you down because he is such a great player.”
—Hoops legend Michael Jordan

© Copyright 2007 Black Book Partners, LLC. All rights reserved.