Paul George is one of a few stars who can say they’ve gone toe-to-toe with LeBron James and had some success on the big stage. They battled in the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals, where LeBron James averaged 29/7/5 and Paul George averaged 19/6/5. George was still coming into his own as a legitimate NBA star and showed signs of having credibility as one of James’ formidable foes in future battles.
George is confident that he’s now more prepared to take on James at that level, via Michael Lee of The Vertical:
“I’ve always matched up with him like, ‘I know he can do this, I know he can do that,’ ” George told The Vertical about James. “Not in an awe fashion, but it’s more so, ‘I’m not supposed to win these games. This is supposed to be the best dude in the NBA. I’m trying to challenge him. I know what I’m up against.’ Now it’s, ‘I’m ready. I’m ready for you. I’m a veteran. I know you, you know me. Let’s meet here, let’s get this job done.’ I’m prepared. I’ve had time to figure this out. I’ve had time to lick my wounds. I’m ready.”
Coming off of that infamous leg injury, George made a triumphant return last season, playing 81 games and getting back to his true form. Having been through a major injury and winning a gold medal with Team USA this summer, George has experienced a maturation process in that short time. He’s surely more capable of challenging LeBron as he continues that process, and the fact that his team has improved with some new pieces will help his efforts in challenging LeBron for Eastern Conference supremacy.
