Former Celtics coach raves about LeBron James’ sustained success originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Before LeBron James became an NBA champion, there was a team the 21-time all-star couldn’t defeat to get over the hump, and that would be the Boston Celtics.

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During that time, the Celtics were led by head coach Doc Rivers, and the trio of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen found themselves getting the best of James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning two playoff series over James on their finals runs in 2008 and 2010.

However, after the all-time great took his talents to South Beach to team with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, things shifted. James finally defeated Rivers and the Celtics consistently, including on his way to his first title in 2012, and the rest is history. After nearly two decades of battling against each other on many teams, Rivers gave the four-time champion his flowers.

More: Giannis Antetokounmpo seen wearing LeBron James jersey after Lakers game

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Rivers is highly impressed with James’ sustained success

Before Friday’s game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers spoke about how amazed he is by James’s longevity.

“He’s had the greatest run ever; there’s no debating. He’s been good longer than anybody, and it’s pretty amazing”, Rivers said.

Of course. It is undeniable that James has defeated Father Time longer than any player, but that, coming from Rivers, who has coached many teams looking to beat James and his teams, speaks volumes about just how good the Akron hero is.

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James is entering his 23rd season, and in the 19 games played, he is averaging 21.9 points and 5.6 rebounds, while still dishing out 6.9 assists.

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