Sometimes LeBron James’ fans like to think of Reggie Miller as their mortal enemy. But there’s no twisting his words this time. The Knick Killer had profound praise for James on USA Today. It might sound like NBA veterans like Miller, Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, are way too critical of The King and want him to retire already. But Miller, whose sunset years overlapped with Bron’s first couple of seasons, explains why they sound like that.

The short of it is, “They’re jealous.” Yes, Miller is including himself as he revealed on USA Today Sports. He’d retire in 2005 after playing two seasons against James, who the Cavs selected first overall in 2003. Miller said he tried all the old school moves against Bron those two seasons too but nothing could shake him. And fresh off his 21st season, the oldest active player is still as productive as his rookie seasons.

That’s far from what many retired pros can say about themselves. “I think that’s why a lot of us old heads or older players probably hate on that.” The Indiana Pacers legend had a big grin throwing the hard truth about his fellow vets. “They’re jealous because we were not as great late in our careers as LeBron is in his, that you know, we wish we were averaging and dominating and dunking and still being a factor.” Miller admitted that he wished he was putting up impressive numbers in year 18 as Bron is in 21.

He’s selling himself short. Sure he didn’t match James, who averaged 25.7  points this past season. Reggie Miller had a 14.8 PPG in the 2004-05 season at the age of 39 in comparison to 21 points in his prime. But you get the sentiment.

James is far from done too. After the Olympics, he’d return to LA to suit up alongside his son, Bronny, for at least one season. It’s speculated that he’ll call it an NBA career after making history as the first father-son duo on one team. Meanwhile, he’s far from laid back in the Paris games. The secret behind that productivity is also something Miller has cracked.

Times when the veteran jealousy towards LeBron James showed

Over a month ago, the King’s fans came after Reggie Miller for apparently shading James when he picked Michael Jordan as his GOAT. Charles Barkley, who has always advocated for veterans to make way for younger players, felt that Bron should retire on a high. Mostly because he doesn’t want to see James to fade away in his final playing years the way he did.

But Father Time is yet to catch up with the 4x champion. Miller credits that his unwavering dedication to body maintenance in the offseason. That and good genetics, among other factors. Unlike his TNT colleague, though, Miller is not pushing for James’ retirement. He thinks Bron has enough in him to go as far as he likes.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us in the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.