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LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics are strong competitors who often work hard to take one another down but that doesn’t mean there isn’t respect between them.

On “Mind The Game,” via NBACentral, James spoke about Tatum, all he has accomplished, and just how elite he is:

“He’s 25 years old, and I believe he has been to the conference finals four times and to the NBA finals once. He’s 25. I didn’t win my first one until I was 28. I think Joker won his first one at 27. I think MJ was 28 as well… I think we have a lot of expectations on JT, but he’s experienced a lot of winning in his career so far.”

Tatum is in fact just 26 years old, which James referenced.

And during his time in the league, he has done a lot for his career, his future, and the Celtics.

This season, Tatum is posting 27.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game on 47.4% from the floor.

He has become the team leader for the Celtics and is regularly the most important player on the roster.

There has been talk about Tatum winning MVP this season, although the competition for that prize is very tough.

Meanwhile, there are many more people who think that Tatum and his Celtics are on their way to another Finals appearance.

They were there a few years ago but fell short to the Golden State Warriors.

But this season, Tatum and his Celtics are looking even better and have a stronger chance of going all the way.

If Tatum is able to win the Finals when he’s just 26 years old, it will further cement his standing in the league and more people will consider him one of the best players alive.

He already has the respect of James and many other stars, but Tatum could earn his place in NBA history this year.