LeBron James has faced nearly every elite defender in NBA history over the last two decades—but one name stands above the rest in his mind.
On a recent episode of the Mind the Game podcast with Steve Nash, James was asked who gave him the most trouble on the court defensively. His answer: Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest.
“Really good with his hands, laterally was really good, strong as an ox,” James said, via Lakers Nation. “We played a game in my early years when he was in Indiana—I mean, it was challenging for sure.”
James reflected on their early matchups when he was still a teenager just breaking into the league. He recalled being tested physically and mentally by the former Defensive Player of the Year.
“One of the best defenders probably I’ve played against,” James added. “Ron definitely had you like, OK this is what the league is about.”
World Peace built a reputation throughout his career as one of the league’s most physical and disciplined defenders. Known for his strength, anticipation, and intensity, he often guarded the opposing team’s top scorer—regardless of position.
For a young James, that challenge helped shape his understanding of NBA competition.
“I was like yeah, I love this. This is awesome,” James said. “This is a hell of a test for you as an 18-year-old kid out of high school with a target on your back.”
World Peace spent the prime of his career with the Pacers, Kings, Rockets, and Lakers, earning four All-Defensive Team selections and helping the Lakers win the 2010 NBA title.
His defensive duels with James were some of the most physical in the mid-2000s, particularly during James’ early years in Cleveland.
