Novak Djokovic says he can relate to LeBron James’ mindset as he believes that there is absolutely nothing bad in having extreme confidence and self-belief. Earlier this month, 38-year-old LeBron James made basketball history after making it past the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
On February 7th – just a day before becoming the all-time leading scorer in NBA history – James said: “What I bring to the table as a basketball player. I feel like I’m the best basketball player that ever played the game.
That’s just my confidence, that’s just what I bring to the table, what I possess. But as far as if the scoring record gets me to another level, I don’t know”. Ever since coming to the NBA in 2003, James has been a dominant force.
In tennis, 35-year-old Djokovic became a Grand Slam champion at the 2008 Australian Open and for 15 years now he has been a dominant force on tennis courts.
James on if he can relate to James’ mindset
“Yes, I can relate to that because I believe that what worked for me and still works for me is that self-belief and confidence level.
Of course always balanced with the respect towards the opponent, towards the game, appreciation for the moment and for what you’re going through. But just self-belief that, hey, I know that when I’m ready, when I’m there out on the court, on any surface, against anybody, I’m better, I’m the best.
And I don’t think there’s anything arrogant or pretentious about it. I don’t see anything wrong in that. And I congratulate LeBron for his historic achievement, he absolutely deserves it because at this age, he works as hard as anybody really out there.
And that’s a great role model and a great example to all the young guys,” Djokovic told The National. At the start of this season, Djokovic won his 22nd Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. Following his Australian Open triumph, Djokovic also returned to the world No 1 spot.
