Throughout his 20-year NBA career, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has dealt with many ups and downs. Such situations have often caused him to be perceived differently in the public eye. However, to this date, one of his most controversial decisions took place in 2010, when he decided to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and join up with the Miami Heat. The instant alleged backlash caused the player to be branded with a ‘Villain’ tag, which he didn’t mind embracing. However, doing so caused him to have one of his most regrettable NBA seasons to date. 13 years later, history may end up repeating itself in the form of Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic.

A few hours ago, longtime sports media personality Colin Cowherd released another episode of his show. With guest podcaster Nick Wright joining in as well, the duo proceeded to discuss players who have often shown a bit of ‘villain’ persona towards players and fans of rival teams. The first name on the list was that of Luka Doncic, who allegedly “enjoys playing on the road more than at home and ‘MFing’ the crowd and all of it”. Wondering if he will adopt the same persona during the upcoming Mavericks vs Celtics NBA Finals, Wright highlighted that when one of the greatest NBA players of all time attempted to do the same, the result was not well.

“LeBron, who I think is as mentally tough, the Dallas Series in 2011 notwithstanding, of any athlete we’ve ever seen, tried that hat on for a year, and that then led to the Dallas series, and he HATED it,” said Wright. “Like, it wore him down so much, he had the only true failure of his career. I just don’t think that’s a healthy spot to be”.

The 2010-11 season saw LeBron James, along with star teammates Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, take the Miami Heat all the way to the NBA Finals. During the tournament, the player stated that the hate he received from fans in the aftermath of his controversial decision bothered him at first. However, he would later admit that, “I’m very comfortable. And I’ve kind of accepted this villain role everyone has placed on me. I’m OK with it. I accept it.” Despite hiding his true feelings, however, the hate reportedly took a toll on him. As a result, during the 2011 Finals series against the Dallas Mavericks, the player could not perform as well as he wanted. This caused Dirk Nowitzki and Co. to win the series by 4-2 and secure their first-ever championship title.

Bill Simmons is ready to see Luka Doncic transform into an “Unbelievable Villain”

The upcoming NBA Finals will have the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics compete for the first time at this pivotal stage. Celtics fans are already prepared to put out their hate for shooting guard Kyrie Irving, with whom they share a long-running feud. However, by leading the Mavericks’ scoring effort throughout the tournament, Luka Doncic is also putting a target on his back. Given the Slovenian player’s previous controversial instances against rival players/fans, the longtime sportscaster is already mentally prepared.

“He’s (Luka Doncic) going to be an unbelievable villain,” said Simmons a couple of days ago during the Mavericks-Timberwolves series. “I was on some text threads with some Celtic fan friends and we’re just all ready. We’re just ready to be annoyed by this guy for two weeks.” The 54-year-old is ready for Doncic to get “razzed, yelled, heckled,” by the Boston crowd.

From trash-talking with players to reportedly cursing at supporters of the rival team, Luka Doncic may try to replicate the same persona as LeBron James did back in 2011. However, if history is an indication, the same might not go well.