Video: Heat's LeBron James channels Allen Iverson's 'practice' rant

Author:
Ben Golliver
Publish date:
Jun 7, 2014

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPkJEaY5AxU?rel=0]

SAN ANTONIO -- After spending Thursday's Game 1 dealing with leg cramps and Friday's off receiving treatment for his cramps and taking questions about his cramps, Heat forward LeBron James was in such a good mood to rejoin his teammates on the court that he jokingly channeled Allen Iverson's famous "practice" rant.

James, who said he expects to be "100 percent" for Game 2 of the Finals against the Spurs on Sunday, was the last person on the podium taking questions before the start of Miami's practice. An impatient Dwyane Wade worked his way to one of the media microphones in the back of the press conference area, raising his hand so that he could ask James a question.

"Ready to go to practice so we can get better, bro?" Wade asked, when called upon. "You been talking all day, let's go!"

Wade's presence made James smile before delivering his Iverson impersonation.

"Practice? Not the game! You talking about practice? All right," James said, before exiting stage right. "I gotta get to practice."

James expressed his admiration for Iverson when the Sixers honored Iverson with a jersey retirement ceremony back in March.

“Pound for pound!! Congrats homie," James wrote on Instagram. "What a pleasure to complete against [you] and also become a friend in the process. [You're] the reason why I got tattoos, wore a headband and arm sleeve. Thanks for everything!"

Iverson drew headlines in 2002 for his infamous rant in response to questions about his practice habits.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d29VsG35DQM?rel=0&w=600&h=338]

James did later join the Heat on the court at the Spurs' practice facility, getting up some jumpers while wearing the "Red October" version of Kanye West's Nike Air Yeezy 2s.

LeBron James gets up a jumper at the Spurs' practice facility on Saturday. (SI.com)