National Basketball Association

Bill Russell serves LeBron James after Mount Rushmore comments

Published Feb. 18, 2014 8:21 a.m. ET

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Bill Russell turned 80 last week, but age is no reflection of this Boston Celtics legend’s ability to dish out a quick response to LeBron James. Amidst the 2014 NBA All-Star Game media hype, James listed his own Mount Rushmore of all-time league greats.

His list included Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Oscar Robertson. He also went on in true King James fashion to add that he “for sure” will be one of the top four who has ever played the game. During Sunday’s all-star game, sideline reporter Craig Sager read a quote from Russell, who had earlier addressed James’ Mount Rushmore picks.

“Hey, thank you for leaving me off your Mount Rushmore. I’m glad you did. Basketball is a team game, it’s not for individual honors. I won back-to-back state championships in high school, back-to-back NCAA championships in college. I won an NBA championship my first year in the league, an NBA championship in my last year, and nine in between. That, Mr. James, is etched in stone.”

In just a couple of sentences, the most decorated championship winner in NBA history proved he still packs a punch on and off the court. Definitely call it a comeback.