“Not Everyone Wants to Play with a King: LeBron Opens Up About Years of Rejection”
When discussing LeBron James’ illustrious career, most people highlight the championships, MVPs, and countless iconic moments. What often gets overlooked, however, is the quieter reality behind the scenes — the many times LeBron’s efforts to recruit other stars fell flat.
In a revealing moment during his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, LeBron acknowledged something that many had long suspected. Despite his status as one of the greatest to ever play the game, not every superstar was eager to team up with him.
“I’ve always recruited,” LeBron said. “I’ve been trying to get guys to come play with me since, like, 2007. I’ve got rejected a lot. But I’ve also not got rejected a lot.”
This admission peeled back the curtain on an under-discussed part of LeBron’s career. Even during his early days in Cleveland, he knew that if the Cavaliers were going to contend, he needed help. But convincing top-tier talent to join him in Northeast Ohio was a tougher task than expected. He made pitches to players like Joe Johnson and Michael Redd — and even tried to bring Chris Bosh to Cleveland long before their Miami Heat days. None of those early recruiting efforts worked.
“A lot of people didn’t want to come to Cleveland,” LeBron explained. “I tried to recruit so many guys… it just didn’t work out.”
Later, as a Laker, LeBron hoped his influence and L.A.’s market power would draw stars to join him. Yet, even then, he faced roadblocks. In 2019, Kawhi Leonard passed on the opportunity to pair with LeBron, choosing instead to lead the crosstown Clippers. It marked the second straight offseason in which a marquee name turned down the chance to play alongside James.
Though Anthony Davis eventually arrived and helped deliver a title in 2020, LeBron’s mixed results as a recruiter became a quiet storyline. His greatness was undeniable, but his career offered a reminder that being the best doesn’t guarantee everyone will want to follow. For all the success, LeBron’s journey has also been defined by the stars who said “no.”
