© Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
DeMar DeRozan recalls how LeBron James made him leave the Toronto Raptors
As fierce rivals as they are on the court, DeMar DeRozan has nothing but the utmost respect for Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James. The two have had many battles through the years, especially when DeRozan was still with the Toronto Raptors while LeBron repped the Cleveland Cavaliers. In fact, DeRozan still cannot forget the moment when LeBron’s late-game heroics signaled the end of his nine-year stint with the Raptors.
Game 3 of the 2018 NBA Playoffs
It was Game 3 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs and the Cavs already had a commanding 2-0 lead over the Raptors after they won both games on Toronto’s home floor. The two teams, though, went back and forth before LeBron put the finishing touches on the thrilling Cleveland win.
“It was Game Three, and I just remember, because I was out of the game. I just remember him shooting that one-legged floater and it going in. And I was like, ‘Sh**, this is it right here.’ That was like the end of my time in Toronto. That one haunts me for sure,” Deebo shared during his appearance on Paul George’s podcast.
A few months later, DeRozan got traded to the San Antonio Spurs in a deal involving Kawhi Leonard.
PG got bounced too
PG added his own story, saying LeBron also ushered him out of the Indiana Pacers with a sweep in the first round of the 2017 Playoffs.
“I think he put me away too, man. That was my last time in Indy. He got me up out of there too,” said PG with a laugh.
The King was phenomenal in those series, nearly averaging a triple-double with 32.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 9 assists.
