Lakers LeBron James’ Associate Responds To Ex-Mavs Player, Who Said He Played Scared in 11 Finals

In 2011, the Miami Heat fell to the Dallas Mavericks in six games, and though Dallas got the better of the Big 3, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. It was a learning experience for those three individuals as they won the next two out of three NBA championships.
But apparently, one member of that 2011 Dallas Mavericks team, while on Clubhouse last Friday shared that Jame s played scared against Dallas in the Finals.
On Wednesday afternoon, an associate of LeBron James named Rob MC was on stage in the Walklikeus room in Clubhouse and was asked about this player’s comments.
“At the end of the day, if you think LeBron James is a soft dude, then you don’t really know him that well. I mean, you don’t,” said Rob MC.
The room clarified the player’s comments but didn’t mention him by name. According to the room, the player said LeBron played scared in 2011.
“All of this is speculation at the end of the day, but lets think about the context of 2011. LeBron [James] is playing for Miami and it’s a new situation right? You got D Wade, Chris Bosh, Jerry Stackhouse, Mike Miller I believe all of them are on the team,” said MC.
“So, after the decision, y’all know [Le] Bron took a lot of flack, and also, he is in a new environment trying to figure out how to win in a different type of situation. How you perceive that and how you understand those dynamics is up to you, but to say this dude is scared is definitely not the right answer.”
Rob MC wanted to make it clear that James was not scared during that series at all.
“It was never fear.”
A couple of years ago, Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban was asked how he felt LeBron has grown since facing the Mavericks in the finals in 2011?
Cuban replied, “He has gone Hollywood.”
“I think LeBron’s greatest growth has come off the court. He was a confident but unsure kid when he came into the league, and now he is a social icon. There have been a lot of great players who haven’t chosen to take that route or were unable to take that route.”
“LeBron has done it by having good people around him but also picking his spots. What sets LeBr on James apart from a lot of socially conscious athletes is he knows when to wait for his pitch, and he knows when to swing. ”
James went on to win four NBA Championships and three for three different teams.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
