LeBron James is best known for his versatile skill set and unmatched longevity. However, former NBA forward Mirza Teletović’s fondest memory of the four-time MVP came when James threw him a lifeline midway through his injury-plagued career. Teletović recently opened up about his former adversary’s unexpected gesture, spotlighting the softer side of “King James.”
Mirza Teletović Recounts How LeBron James Offered Him Chance To Extend His NBA Career
After enjoying an illustrious career in Europe, Teletović transitioned to the NBA in 2012 at age 26, joining the Brooklyn Nets on a three-year, $9.7 million contract. During his time with Brooklyn, he carved out a reputation as a dependable floor-spacing forward.
Unfortunately for Teletović, in January 2015, midway through the final year of his deal, he experienced shortness of breath during a game and was hospitalized. The 6-foot-9 sharpshooter was later diagnosed with bilateral pulmonary emboli, a life-threatening condition where blood clots obstruct blood flow in the pulmonary arteries in both lungs.
After being placed on blood thinners and missing the final three months of the 2014-15 season, Teletović registered little interest in free agency. However, according to the Bosnian standout, James, then the centerpiece of the Cleveland Cavaliers, ensured he had at least one offer on the table to prolong his career.
“Few people know who King James the Gentleman is. After my pulmonary embolism, when no one wanted to sign me, he called my agent and offered me to play with him in Cleveland,” Teletović said, via Eurohoops.
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Teletović ultimately received another offer from the Phoenix Suns, agreeing to a one-year, $5.5 million contract to prove himself. Nevertheless, a decade later, James’ act of goodwill has left a lasting impression on him.
Teletović’s Blood Clots Returned, Derailing His NBA Comeback
After overcoming his initial health scare, Teletović broke out with Phoenix, averaging a career-high 12.2 points per game while shooting 39.3% from 3 across 79 outings during the 2015-16 campaign. The then-four-year NBA pro parlayed his success into a lucrative three-year, $31.5 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2016 free agency.
However, early in his second season with Milwaukee, in December 2017, Teletović experienced a recurrence of blood clots in both of his lungs. As a result, he was waived by the franchise in March 2018 after making just 10 appearances during the 2017-18 campaign. Teletović retired just six and a half months later at age 33, leaving his potential contributions to a title contender as one of his career’s biggest what-ifs.
