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DeMar DeRozan shares how Chris Paul and LeBron James inspire him
DeMar DeRozan is one of the NBA's undisputed. With 13 seasons to his name, the Compton native has carved out a reputation as one of the league's most consistent and reliable players. But despite his success, DeRozan says he still looks to others for inspiration - namely, Chris Paul and LeBron James.
Incredible longevity
In the history of the NBA, plenty of players shine bright for a season or two and then flame out and become forgotten names. DeRozan, on the other hand, has enjoyed a level of consistency that is truly remarkable. It's a testament to his hard work and dedication, but it's also something that DeRozan says he could never have done alone. He credits CP3 and the King for inspiring him to be better.
"You look at CP, he just carried a young team a couple years ago to the playoffs," said DeRozan referring to CP3's brief run with the Oklahoma City Thunder, which resulted in the team reaching the first round of the playoffs, putting a scare in the Houston Rockets along the way.
"LeBron is 20 years in, and it looks like he can play another five years easily. You can tell that the guys that are taking care of themselves are playing long years. They are such a motivational thing for me loving the game of basketball," added DeRozan.
Leading by example
As excellent a leader as DeRozan is on the floor, he may even be better off it. The many-time All-Star is always the first in the gym and the last to leave. He's constantly working on his game, trying to get better. And he is on his teammates about taking care of their bodies. It's that work ethic and attention to detail that has rubbed off on his younger teammates.
"You got to know yourself physically. It's not all about going into the weight room to get stronger. Your body is your whole complete temple that you have to make it with every single day," DeRozan said.
