LeBron James downplays comparisons to Cam Newton
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James told ESPN he is a fan of Cam Newton, but he downplayed the comparison between himself and Newton in response to a comment the Carolina Panthers quarterback made earlier this week.
At media day ahead of Super Bowl 50, Newton was asked if he should be considered the LeBron James of the NFL.
“Why can’t LeBron be the Cam Newton of power forwards?” Newton responded.
When asked about that label on Wednesday and whether he should be considered the Newton of the NBA, James said, “I’m LeBron of the NBA.”
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James also noted that Newton gave him the wrong position.
“I’m not a power forward right now, and I’m not slowing down any time soon,” James said. “So, I like being a wing guy. It’s cooler.”
James praised Newton, calling him a special player.
“He’s a rare talent,” James said. “And obviously his size and speed is just a rarity at that position. And then his height as well, there’s not many guys that are 6-foot-5 or over in the NFL—especially playing the quarterback position. So that’s why, combined with his IQ, combined with his speed, his power and combined with the great guys surrounding him, that makes it very tough [to defend him].”
