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Author of a remarkable career in the NBA, Joakim Noah notably maintained a certain rivalry with LeBron James.

This could have also seen a turning point in 2019, as the former French pivot explained in recent hours.

With a strong character, he never backed down from the slightest challenge, no matter how intimidating it might seem.

Joakim Noah was one of the most fearless NBA players during his time in the league.

Taking on a figure like LeBron James was therefore not something to scare him.

This led him to maintain a sort of rivalry with the King, which he could have buried at the end of his career.

Joakim Noah Honest About His Failed Duo With LeBron James

Opponents 52 times on the NBA courts, Noah and James only shared the same colors during the All-Star Game, in 2013 and 2014.

However, they could have reunited in the ranks of the same franchise before the Frenchman hung up his sneakers. I

ndeed, while the Lakers were looking for a replacement pivot heading into the 2019-20 season, Jooks’ name was on their shortlist:

The Lakers have scheduled workouts with several available centers on the market, including Joakim Noah and Dwight Howard. Marcin Gortat is also being considered.

Five years after this workout performed in the Angelinos facilities, the former French international agreed to return to this episode with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson. All this, without showing the slightest bitterness:

Joakim Noah: I tried (to earn my place at the Lakers), but they preferred to take Dwight. And they didn’t regret it!

Indeed, Howard played a major role in the Purple & Gold’s title win a few months later. Noah, for his part, followed their journey in the bubble and assures that he has no remorse.

Instead, he praises the leadership displayed at the time by LeBron:

Joakim Noah: I don’t think I have any regrets, no. Everything happens for a reason. The Lakers were a great team.

I think LeBron James did a really good job as a leader, especially in the bubble. Considering he didn’t have his family by his side, I think he did a really good job.

Which shows that the former pivot of the Blues knows how to recognize the merits of a player like LBJ, even after years of antagonism with him.

Having come very close to joining the Lakers roster in 2019, Joakim Noah is not dwelling on this missed opportunity to count LeBron James among his teammates. This, even if he says he admires the leadership qualities that the King displayed that season.