Phoenix Suns Coach Monty Williams on LeBron James’ Basketball IQ: “You’re Sitting There like ‘Wow! Can’t Believe He Asked That Question'”

LeBron James has often received praise from his colleagues and NBA analysts for his incredible athleticism. The fans also laud him for his play-making abilities. A rival NBA coach recently praised James for his basketball IQ and his longevity.

Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams spoke to the media during a post-game conference. Williams expressed astonishment at James playing full strength in his 19th NBA season despite injuries. He described the superstar as the “greatest athlete” he had ever seen playing at an extreme level.

Williams said, “I’ve always had a great respect for LeBron. Coaching against him, I have even more respect for his IQ. Because when you are coaching, you get a chance to listen to what he’s saying to the referees. It’s usually stuff that you don’t hear from a majority of the players in the NBA.”

He further added saying, “You know you are sitting there, ‘Like wow, I can’t believe he asked that question.’ You know what I mean. He has a really high IQ. He’s just a phenomenal athlete, let alone a basketball player.”

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Monty Williams himself was an NBA player from 1994 to 2003. He began his coaching career in 2005 as an assistant coach with the Portland Trail Blazers. He joined the Phoenix Suns as head coach in 2019. Interestingly, he retired just one season before James joined the NBA in 2003.

LeBron James joined the Lakers in 2018 and won the 2020 NBA title with the franchise.

LeBron James displays basketball IQ for the Lakers against the Phoenix Suns

James put up a phenomenal performance for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Phoenix Suns. Despite his best efforts, the Lakers lost their third game in a row in a defeat to the visiting Suns at Staples Center. The Lakers’ current record for the season stands at a dismal 16-16.

James displayed his talismanic basketball IQ scoring 34 points in 34 minutes. However, in a big blow to the Lakers, he sustained a left ankle injury during the third quarter. Devin Booker led the Suns, scoring 24 points.

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James and the Lakers face the San Antonio Spurs next in a home game at the Staples Center.