National Basketball Association

Popovich backs LeBron, rankles media

Published Jun. 8, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Oh, Gregg Popovich. Even when the Spurs head coach takes time out to compliment another player, he still finds a way to rile up media members.

This time, the subject of the props is LeBron James. Popovich managed to defend his NBA Finals nemesis against criticism and then take a jab at the assembled reporters in the same breath Saturday.

"He's a grown man," Popovich tells the media in the video above. "He doesn't need any of you to tell him anything. He knows more than all of you put together. ... If he makes a pass and you all think he should've shot it, or he shoots it and you think he should've made a pass ... your opinions mean nothing to him."

Another classic quote from a man known for his media zingers. And there's more where that came from as the video goes on.

The respect is mutual. LeBron once backed Popovich as the ideal coach for USA Basketball.

Is Popovich just trying to kill LeBron with kindness? He doesn't really need to so far. The Spurs beat the Heat in Game 1 with Game 2 on deck for Sunday night.