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‘Take Over & Dominate’: Former Heat Teammate Explains How LeBron James Kept Everyone on Their Toes

Published 09/21/2021, 12:30 AM EDT

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LeBron James has been the God of consistency. He has averaged almost equally (close to 27 ppg) in each of his tenures with three different teams. Yet, his Miami Heat days stand out because that was the first time he proved himself as a power forward (pushing CB4 to the center position). 

True, LeBron formed the Big Three to win his first title and many critics call him out for that. But they forget to address and fail to agree that the same Bron also proved he could play alongside All-Stars and sacrifice on numbers if need be. Luckily, there is someone from that team who hasn’t forgotten anything.

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Former Miami Heat player and his take on the leadership style of LeBron James

Yes, the same little brother who would take heated yelling and open criticism from Bron, is also one of his greatest fans. Mario Chalmers had a short NBA career of nine seasons and spent seven of those complete years in Miami. Almost 1.5 years younger to Bron, the 6’2″ point guard saw a dip in his average numbers after King’s arrival. But no complaints from him.

In a recent interview with Scoop B Robinson, the 35-YO remembered “LeBron James is a pass-first player until it’s like time for him to get going. Then he’ll take over and dominate…”

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He further added how Bron would always trust his teammates to take the big shots. This would keep his fellow players on their toes and also generate in them a sense that their leader has faith in them.

That speaks tons about the leadership capability of the L-Train and he continued doing that with JR Smith (Cavs), Danny Green (Lakers), and others. 

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When Mario Chalmers impressed Bron and the Miami Heat squad

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Everyone remembers the rivalry between Tim Duncan’s Spurs and LeBron’s Heat. So during the 2013 NBA Finals, with the King chasing his second ring, the things had come down to Game 7. And it was on this June 21 outing that Super Mario proved his worth.

With seconds remaining in the Q3 and the Spurs leading 71-69, the Heat wanted that mental boost before starting the final 12 minutes. So the veteran Ray Allen found Mario open for a pass while Bron was not really in the best position to grab the ball. And that pass led to Mario scoring a memorable buzzer-beater to get the Heat ahead.

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This certainly made up for all the turnovers he caused in the past that irritated the King. The Heat went 23-17 in the decisive quarter and won the finals. Do you see this as one of Bron’s greatest victories? Help us know what you think in the comments below.

Watch this story – LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Other Stars Who Attended Anthony Davis’s Wedding

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Written by:

Sourabh Singh

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Sourabh Singh is an NBA sports analyst for EssentiallySports, who has been working with the site since May 2020. Prior to this, he functioned as Managing Editor at WittyFeed, followed by a stint at Decathlon. The Sports Management graduate leads an active lifestyle, veering to the mountains for off-trail adventures.
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