When the best player of a generation — possibly of all time — takes a moment to highlight your game, you know you’re doing something special. That’s exactly what happened when LeBron James, known affectionately as “The King,” went all in with praise for Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton during a recent episode of @mindthegamepod, the podcast he co-hosts with basketball savant JJ Redick.
With no shortage of rising stars in the league today, Haliburton has steadily built a reputation as one of the most exciting and cerebral young players in the NBA. But when LeBron James — a man who’s played with and against the best for over two decades — singles you out, it means you’ve arrived at a different tier of respect.
“That kid sees the floor like few others can,” LeBron said. “It’s not just that he passes — it’s how he passes. He manipulates defenses. He sees plays before they develop. He’s surgical, man. You can’t teach that.”
Coming from LeBron, those words carry weight. He’s not just complimenting talent — he’s identifying basketball intelligence, a quality James himself is famous for. For Haliburton, it’s high praise from the highest level.
A Rising Star
Tyrese Haliburton’s journey to NBA stardom hasn’t followed the traditional path. Drafted 12th overall in 2020 by the Sacramento Kings, he quickly proved himself to be one of the league’s smartest young guards. But it wasn’t until a trade to Indiana in 2022 that he was truly given the keys to a team.
Since then, he’s flourished — evolving from a promising prospect into the face of a franchise. His combination of creativity, court vision, and unselfishness has turned the Pacers into one of the most dynamic offenses in basketball. And now, in the 2025 NBA Finals, Haliburton is center stage, guiding Indiana in their matchup against the explosive Oklahoma City Thunder.
LeBron’s Breakdown
What made LeBron’s comments especially meaningful was how deeply he dove into the why of Haliburton’s greatness.
“He plays with pace, but it’s his pace,” LeBron explained. “That’s what makes him hard to guard. He doesn’t let the defense speed him up or slow him down. He knows where everyone is on the floor — not just his teammates, but the defenders too. That’s rare, man.”
LeBron also praised Haliburton’s feel for the game, calling it “instinctual genius.” It’s not the kind of praise LeBron gives out often. On the podcast, you could hear the genuine admiration in his voice — a recognition of a kindred spirit who approaches the game with surgical precision and a student’s mindset.
Mind the Game, Respect the Game
The Mind the Game podcast is known for going beyond surface-level takes. It’s basketball breakdowns by basketball minds. So when LeBron and JJ spent several minutes talking about Haliburton’s court awareness, his use of angles, and his ability to manipulate defenders like a seasoned quarterback, it resonated across NBA circles.
JJ Redick added: “He’s not just making flashy passes — he’s dissecting the floor. That’s what sets him apart. There’s flash, but there’s deep function behind it. He’s reading, reacting, and controlling the tempo. He’s not just playing the game — he’s directing it.”
Haliburton’s Response
When asked about LeBron’s praise after Pacers practice, Haliburton smiled humbly and responded in the way fans have come to expect from him.
“Man, that means a lot coming from Bron. I grew up watching him — still do. He’s the standard. Just hearing that he even watches our games, let alone breaks down my game like that, it’s surreal. I just try to play the right way and help my team win. That’s always been my approach.”
It’s that unselfishness and team-first mentality that has made Haliburton not only a favorite in Indiana but across the league. In an era of high-volume scoring, Haliburton’s style of play — built around spacing, movement, and precision — feels like a throwback with a modern twist.
A Point Guard’s Point Guard
Tyrese Haliburton is quickly becoming a point guard’s point guard — the kind of player who other greats love to watch. With elite basketball minds like LeBron James and JJ Redick going deep into his film, it’s clear he’s earned the respect of those who truly understand the nuances of the game.
And now, on basketball’s biggest stage, the entire world is seeing what LeBron saw — a player with vision, poise, and the ability to lead a team without needing to dominate the ball. The Pacers may not be the most star-studded team in the Finals, but with Haliburton at the helm, they are anything but ordinary.
All Eyes on Game 2
With Indiana trailing 0-1 in the series against OKC, Game 2 is a pivotal moment — and all eyes will be on Haliburton to respond. The King has given his seal of approval. Now it’s time for Tyrese to show why he’s worthy of it.
No matter what happens next, one thing is clear: The league is watching. The legends are watching. And the crown — at least in spirit — has been tipped in Haliburton’s direction.
The King is all in on Haliburton’s game 👑. The rest of us? We should be too.
