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Damian Lillard Weighs In on LeBron James and Draymond Green’s Boxing Abilities After Canelo Álvarez’s Claim

Published 03/16/2024, 12:12 PM EDT

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Damian Lillard’s love for boxing is well-documented. But he is not just a casual fan. He is also a student of the sweet science of boxing and his social media activity easily proves it. Lillard’s passion for boxing, which he developed early in childhood while watching major boxing bouts with his entire family gathered around the TV screen, made its way into his workout regime.

If you were ever curious how he nails those jaw-dropping 30-foot jumpers, look no further than his boxing-inspired workouts. Given his expertise, it was unsurprising that sports commentator Dan Patrick asked him which NBA star would be fit to transition into a professional boxing career. Long story short, Draymond Green and LeBron James do not make the cut.

During a recent appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, Damian Lillard weighed in on Draymond Green and LeBron James’ skills in the ring. Lillard believes that while Green is “tough mentally,” a career in professional boxing would require more than that. And while most people would pick someone big and bulky like James, Dame would instead go for someone lean but strong, someone like himself.

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“[Draymond Green]’s tough mentally. So I think Draymond could be a good fighter, but that’s only part of it. I’m trying to think of their body type. Everybody would probably be like LeBron, but that’s like a big dude. You want somebody that’s kind of like wiry, that’s stronger than you would think, tough mentally. That could get to a weight where they could be dangerous as well. I think I would be a good one,” said Damian Lillard.

While Green’s on-court punches, kicks, and stomps weren’t convincing enough for Damian Lillard, it was sure enough for Jake Paul to extend the Golden State Warriors forward $10 million offer to get in the ring with him.

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And while James might not be Damian Lillard’s first pick when it comes to boxing, one of the said sport’s biggest stars, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, has a different opinion. During a conversation with GQ Sports, when asked if James might be a good fit as a boxer, Canelo responded, “Why not? I think he has skills for the sport. He’s an athlete, 100 percent. If he had dedicated himself to being a fighter, he could do it.” But can we see James in the ring in the near future?

Logan Paul teases LeBron James as his opponent at the 2024 Summer Slam

In a recent episode of his ImPaulsive podcast, Logan Paul revealed that the WWE Summer Slam 2024 will take place at the Cleveland Browns Stadium on August 3, the first time since 1996. As a native of Forest City, Paul wants this year’s event to be unlike any other Cleveland, Ohio, has ever seen. In his pursuit to do so, he also mentioned inviting Machine Gun Kelly, the Kelce brothers, and his brother Jake Paul.

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However, his co-host, Mike, jokingly suggested LeBron James as the opponent who can help Logan “bring the house down”. Paul humored him, stating that he would “probably” fight the Lakers star this Summer Slam. Would you like to see LeBron James in the ring? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by:

Darshita Daga

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Darshita is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports who is creating her own space in the spectrum of sport journalism. Darshita specializes in dissecting post-game interviews, trade, and contracts. Her appetite for literature, akin to her affection for the Milwaukee Bucks, knows no bounds.
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Edited by:

Ankit Singh