It took just a few changes for Team USA to turn the tables on Serbia after falling behind 10-2 in the first three minutes of the game. One of those changes saw Kevin Durant take the court for the first time since April. The Slim Reaper went on a tear, and who was in the thick of things throughout all of it? No points for guessing, it was LeBron James. However, a specific moment showed exactly why he is the king, even when it comes to actions outside of the playing area.

During the closing stages of the second quarter, LeBron James was getting ready to return to action. The 39-year-old was stopped by the referees as he tried to re-enter the game, but he was having none of it. A scene followed that NBA fans are thoroughly accustomed to the screen showed LeBron arguing with the officials to make his case. His former teammate, Dwyane Wade, who was on commentary, saw it up close for years and was quick to voice his opinion.

Wade, who has been on commentary duties for CNBC during the 2024 Paris Olympics, was also covering the Serbia vs. Team USA game. Having the perfect opportunity to speak his mind, just like he’s been doing since July 27, Wade commented on the escalating situation. As LeBron’s argument with the referees heated up, the refs gave in and let him enter the game. Seeing this, Wade chimed in, “LeBron wins a lot of arguments against the ref..he won again.”

While it goes without saying that being a pro for almost 22 years has its perks, manipulating the refs might be one of them. Wade himself was a master of the art both on the court and off, exerting influence on the front office. This resulted in the birth of the Heatles with him, LeBron, and Chris Bosh, showing that LeBron learned from the best.

LeBron James and his alleged art of manipulation

What do the officials expect from a player during a dispute? Courtesy, a soft-spoken pitch, and not questioning every decision to earn some proverbial behavior points. LeBron James ticks all these boxes, and that’s how he’s gotten away with it for 21 years. In case you’re wondering if there’s proof, former NBA official Derrick Stafford has it for you.

Stafford officiated over 1700 regular season games during his 30 years in the league before retiring in 2018. So when it came to the hazards of officiating, Stafford made his predicament clear. “Everybody is trying to tell them they’re right all of the time, and nobody wants to make them upset. The bottom line is: We’re probably the only people that tell them no,” Trafford said during an interview with Fox. And what of LeBron? For him, Trafford had some words as well. “He doesn’t go overboard in trying to prove that he’s right. There’s nothing nasty about what he says,” the former official said.

Even former Pistons head coach Monty Williams said something similar about LeBron. “When you’re coaching, you get a chance to listen to the things he’s saying to referees, and it’s usually stuff that you don’t hear from the majority of players in the NBA,” Williams said of James. “You’re sitting there, like, ‘Wow, I can’t believe he just asked that question.” So if you’re wondering how LeBron keeps getting away after complaining so much, there’s your answer. And rest assured, we’ll be seeing LeBron, the Team USA talisman, doing the same for some time to come.

To know more interesting stories, watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where the prodigy puts Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr under the pump with loaded NBA questions and more in this video below.