Lakers' LeBron James Name-Drops Multiple Detroit Pistons Players

With the Los Angeles Lakers recently going head-to-head with the Houston Rockets, LA superstar LeBron James had nothing but praise for his opponent that night, specifically discussing the impact that Amen Thompson had on the game.

Being that Thompson is the twin of Detroit Pistons standout Ausar Thompson, LeBron couldn’t help but loop the brothers in with each other when tossing praise Amen’s way.

In the process of praising Ausar, LeBron credited Cade Cunningham for the inspiration.

“I think Cade Cunningham said it best,” James told reporters. “[Cade] said, ‘They different.’

“They ain’t like the rest of us. I’ve been able to do some things in my career and those two guys, they’re just pure athleticism. They love the game, and you love to see that,” James concluded.

LeBron on the rebound discrepancy, trying to call a timeout on the inbounds play, The Thompson brothers' athleticism, and adjusting in the second half: pic.twitter.com/qTz4YsI68e
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 6, 2025

Cunningham’s comments that LeBron referred to came after a Pistons victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. As Thompson flashed brilliance with his athleticism, making rare plays on the offensive end of the floor, Cunningham acknowledged Ausar is a unique talent in the league.

“There’s some people that might be able to jump like him—not like him, but can jump high—he’s just athletic like all around,” Cunningham told reporters. “Laterally, running, he’s a different dude. He’s not like us, for sure. It’s fun to play with a guy like that, for sure.”

Both Thompsons landed top five in the 2023 NBA Draft. Amen went to the Rockets with the fourth pick, while Ausar was Detroit-bound at No. 5.

"Cade Cunningham said it best, they different. ... I’ve been able to go against some dudes in my career, and those two guys, man, they’re just pure athleticism." 😤

—LeBron James on playing against Amen and Ausar Thompson 🔥 pic.twitter.com/URAw0R6CMJ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 7, 2025

This season, Amen Thompson is making a notable jump. He’s posting averages of 13 points, two assists, and eight rebounds.

Due to a health issue, Ausar Thompson got off to a slower start than desired this year. As he settles in, he’s showing solid value not only as a defensive standout but as a valuable offensive contributor as well. There is still a lot of room to grow, but it’s clear the Thompson twins are gaining respect around the NBA in year two.

Ausar Thompson Returns vs. Warriors

For the second game in a row, the Detroit Pistons missed Ausar Thompson on Wednesday night against the Brooklyn Nets. According to the team's injury report, Thompson has been dealing with an illness. He was downgraded midway through the day on Monday, ahead of the matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers.

As the Pistons approached another evening without Thompson in the mix on Wednesday, Detroit head coach JB Bickerstaff discussed the state of Thompson.

“His spirits are good, and he said he’s feeling a little bit better,” Bickerstaff told reporters regarding Thompson after he was downgraded recently. "When we get home, obviously, we’ll evaluate him some more and see how he’s doing.”

J.B. Bickerstaff gave an update pregame on Pistons’ Ausar Thompson, who will miss his second game in a row due to illness tonight.

“His spirits are good and he said he’s feeling a little bit better. When we get home, obviously we’ll evaluate him some more & see how he’s doing.” pic.twitter.com/nkwQD4krdT
— Hunter Patterson (@HuntPatterson_) January 8, 2025

The Pistons took care of business against a rebuilding and undermanned Nets team. With a 113-98 victory, the Pistons collected their fifth win in a row and officially have more wins than losses for the first time this season while knocking down the Nets to 13-24 on the year.

On Thursday, the Pistons hosted the Golden State Warriors. Thompson was questionable to play but received the green light to get back on the court. With Tim Hardaway Jr and Jaden Ivey out of the lineup, Thompson collected another start. The second-year wing produced nine points, two rebounds, and three assists in 17 minutes of action.

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