Kevin Garnett on LeBron James: ‘It ain’t the same fear’

LeBron James still commands respect. Kevin Garnett believes making opponents fear him has become another matter.

Speaking with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith on KG Certified, Garnett said he has noticed a change in how younger players approach the Sixers star.

“I saw Nembhard, I saw a bunch of guys just treating Bron different,” Garnett said, via Shane Garry Acedera of Basketball Network. “I saw the boy apologize for blocking his shot. Like it’s starting to go in the other direction now. I’m just watching it.”

Garnett was referring to Pacers forward Jalen Slawson, who chased down James and blocked his layup during Philadelphia’s Oct. 28 win at Indiana. Slawson then apologized, producing a puzzled reaction from James.

An apology after a blocked shot is unusual enough. Garnett saw something more in the exchange.

“It ain’t the same. It ain’t the same fear when dude come out no more,” he said. “Them motherf—s respect Bron, but it ain’t the same.”

James is 41 and in his 24th season. Expecting him to overwhelm opponents physically the way he once did would be asking plenty, even by his standards.

The Sixers have instead benefited from his passing and willingness to share the offense. They won nine of their first 11 games before Tuesday’s 123-101 loss to the Celtics, when James finished with 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Jayson Tatum also dunked over James in that game, adding another highlight to the conversation about his diminished athleticism.

Neither play settles how effective James can be over a full season. Players get blocked. Players get dunked on.

But Garnett’s larger observation is worth considering. James can still help a talented team win. Opponents just appear increasingly willing to challenge him while he does it.