Ex-Raptors Star Unravels “Blurry” Experience Running Into LeBron James and Kobe Bryant for 16 Years

The Toronto Raptors were having a dream run in 2018. Not only did they have a strong team but they also were in sync and looked like contenders for the championship. However, after suffering a massive loss to the Akron Hammer’s Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs, they were eliminated. CJ Miles, who had just joined the Raptors, evolved from being simply a sharpshooter. His influence on the team displayed his collaborative strength, selflessness, and his strong desire to win.

Recently, he made an appearance on Theo Piston’s podcast where he spoke about his time with the Raptors and much more, including two legends in the NBA.

Miles speaks about his encounter with James and Bryant

CJ Miles’ basketball career has had a lot of ups and downs. One of the ups included meeting basketball giants LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. When he appeared as a guest on the Tidal League podcast, Theo Pinson asked him about his equation with LeBron James. To this Miles said, “First year when they(Cavaliers) came, remember that year I don’t think they thought they was going to do what they did in that playoff. I remember they came to Toronto cuz we was the best league in the team that year. They came into that and it wasn’t the same because our second unit was winning games.”

He further added by saying, “So we was in such a good place and we started that playoffs, we started the first game well, and when they got one at home, their whole demeanor changed.” Miles mentioned that even LeBron James’ attitude changed when he was able to win against the Raptors at the Scotiabank arena. Listening to that, Pinson asked him about the match the Cavaliers won in Toronto and if it was the first game of the playoffs.

To that Miles responded, “I don’t remember which one it was but it’s blurry.” The only thing Miles was upset about was that his squad was capable of winning that year but couldn’t capitalize on it. However, he further said that he has been right there multiple times in his career and said he had “Kobe and Bron to deal with for 16 years.”

How did Miles perform with the Raptors?

CJ Miles showed his flexibility as he adjusted to the Raptors’ lineup, smoothly switching between starting and reserve duties. When he was asked about his preferred role in his media introduction, he said he plays with a team-first approach. That means whatever his team demands him to do, he takes up that role to achieve glory for his organization. However, as soon as Miles started showing his potential, the Raptors realized his true value. Due to his influence on both sides of the court and his partnership with stars like Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, he established himself as a strong team player.

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His tenure in Toronto is more than just numbers and three-pointers because he showed flexibility in his game and a selfless attitude, which made him a team player. But even after having a strong team, Miles was unable to attain glory for his franchise and he says it is because he had some obstacles in his way. And those obstacles were the NBA legends, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

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