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Weeks After Michael Jordan and the World Mourned NBA Icon’s Unfortunate Demise, LeBron James Pays Homage in His Own Way

Published 01/17/2023, 12:39 AM EST

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The NBA world came together after the untimely demise of NBA legend, Paul Silas. Silas played in the league for 16 seasons with five different teams. A three-time NBA champion, Silas moved on to coaching after his retirement from the league. Multiple NBA players and legends went on to social media to pay tribute to the legend. And now that the Los Angeles Lakers met Houston Rockets for the first time this season, LeBron James paid homage in his own way.

The Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Houston Rockets at their home court. The Rockets are being coached by Stephen Silas, the son of the late NBA legend, Paul Silas. And James made sure to take the time out to give his condolences to Stephen.

LeBron James embraces Stephen Silas before tip-off

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Before the game started, LeBron James went over to the Rockets’ bench. He embraced Stephen Silas and gave him a long hug while speaking a few words to him. Paul Silas played a huge role in James’ life.

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He was The King’s first head coach in the league. James was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA draft. And Silas coached the Cavs from 2003-05 but was let go from the organization in the middle of the season.

Multiple NBA legends including Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson went to social media to give pay respect and give condolences to Paul Silas’ son and family. He was not only a great player during his playing days but also a great coach during his tenure.

Paul Silas was LeBron James’ first head coach in the league. He was tasked with mentoring the 18-year-old rookie back then. However, due to friction between Silas and veteran point guard Eric Snow, the new owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dan Gilbert, fired him midseason.

James gave his views on coach Silas

LeBron James had nothing but praise and respect for his first head coach in the league. After the win over the Pistons in December, James gave his views on Silas on-court during the post-game interview.

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Watch This Story – Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and  LeBron James join the NBA world in mourning the heartbreaking loss of Hall of Famer, Paul Silas

James said, “Probably one of the greatest human beings I’ve ever been around. You know, the start of my journey in this league started with him. You know, his command, his principles, his attention to detail, but you know, his love for family.”

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“You know, I feel for, you know, his whole family, his beautiful wife, obviously Stephen Silas down in Houston. You know, every time I would go back, you know, to Charlotte, he would always come to the games and I would always try to look for him in the crowd. And you know, to hear that news is very sad,” added James.

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Written by:

Abhishek Dhariwal

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Abhishek Dhariwal is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports. He earned his bachelor's degree in English Honors from St. Xavier's College and his master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from AAFT School of Mass Communication and Journalism.
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Edited by:

Gideon Mathson