National Basketball Association

LeBron shows great respect to Cleveland legend before Game 3

Published Jun. 10, 2015 8:15 a.m. ET

foxsports

Arguably the two greatest athletes in Cleveland history were face to face before Tuesday's Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

LeBron James saw former Cleveland Browns great Jim Brown seated in the front row and showed respect to one of the greatest running backs of all time. James bowed to Brown, who saw the gesture and responded with his own tip of the cap.

Brown must have been impressed with the gesture and then LeBron's play on the court. James finished with 40 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, four steals and two blocks in 46 minutes. The shorthanded Cavs took a 2-1 lead over the heavily favored Warriors.

LeBron is authoring one of the greatest NBA Finals performances in history but he still has the wherewithal to spot Brown before a critical Game 3 and show humility.