Covering LeBron James Since 1999, Brian Windhorst Names Player Who Could ‘Physically Intimidate’ the 6ft 9″ Superstar

LeBron James is not only one of the greatest players in NBA history(if not the very greatest) but also an extraordinary physical specimen. At 6ft 9″, LeBron had the size as well as the muscular build to dominate the NBA with freakish athleticism over his 20-year career. He has intimidated players with his size and athletic abilities for decades. But has anyone ever intimidated LeBron? Brian Windhorst, who has been covering James since 1999, named a player who had the ability to intimidate even the King with his physical ability.

Windhorst attended the same high school as the superstar from Akron, Ohio – St Vincent St. Mary. He started covering LeBron James when the latter was a 14-year-old kid and continues to do so 24 years later. Windy worked for The Plain Dealer in Cleveland before joining ESPN when LeBron was traded to the Miami Heat. With all the experience covering the four-time NBA champion, his credibility cannot be questioned.

Brian Windhorst names the player who could physically intimidate LeBron James

While appearing on the ESPN show – ‘NBA Today’, Windhorst talked about the one player who could match up to the physical abilities of a young LeBron James. While describing the abilities of the Lakers superstar, Windy mentioned Ron Artest (now Metta Sandiford-Artest) as the only player he has seen physically intimidate King James. Here is what Windhorst said on the show:

“Ron Artest is probably the only player or one of the very, very few that I saw physically intimidate LeBron James during his career. Who could actually physically handle LeBron. Especially as a rookie! The only time I saw LeBron as a rookie get sort of intimidated, was when Ron Artest went up against him, when he was with the Indiana Pacers.”

Brian Windhorst: “Ron Artest is probably the only player or one of the very, very few that I saw physically intimidate LeBron James during his career.”

Metta Sandiford-Artest pic.twitter.com/9mInxlAMjY

— Oh no he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) August 1, 2023

According to StatMuse, LeBron James has averaged 26.9 points, 6.8 assists, and 6.7 rebounds in 21 games versus Artest in his career. Though the numbers don’t speak the entire story, a rookie LeBron found it difficult to get past the Power Forward. Physically dominating the Lakers superstar in 2023 seems to be an impossible task. However, in 2003 LeBron was still putting on muscle to get to his peak physique.

Metta-Sandiford Artest declares LeBron as his G.O.A.T

With everything said about Artest intimidating LeBron on defense, it is worth mentioning the respect the two players have for each other. In 2022, Metta tweeted about LeBron James before the start of the season. A season that would see him pass Kareem-Abdul Jabbar as the leading scorer in league history. Here is the tweet:

I’m super excited about the @NBA this year. @KingJames legacy is cemented . Officially the greatest player to ever play. Really hard to say that because I’m an MJ fan. I just want to get it out the way . I’ll repeat it again when it’s officially announced

— Metta (@MettaWorld37) October 3, 2022

LeBron officially became the NBA’s All-Time leading scorer after surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in February 2023. A moment that was cherished by fans all over the world was inevitable once the 2022-23 season was underway. Artest, who claimed to be a Michael Jordan fan, gave the GOAT crown to LeBron James for the incredible feat he achieved.