Rick Carlisle: 'It sucks' to prepare to coach against LeBron James
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle didn't mince words when asked what it is like to prepare to face LeBron James.
Even at age 41 and in a reduced role, LeBron James is still a handful to deal with for opposing teams and coaches. When he wants to be, he is still a game-changing force, and he has thus been rewriting the rules of aging for athletes. In the Los Angeles Lakers ' 137-130 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, James posted 23 points on 9-of-17 field-goal shooting, nine rebounds and nine assists.
He's averaging 21 points on 51. 3% shooting, six rebounds and 6. 9 assists a game, and he has adjusted rather well to his new role as the team's third scoring option.
Rick Carlisle, the Pacers' head coach, was asked what it is like to prepare as a coach to face James, and he didn't mince words. Rick Carlisle asked what it's like to game plan for LeBron James. He deadpans.
"It's sucks. " ā Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) March 25, 2026 He also praised the superstar's longevity, dedication to physical fitness and impact on the game. Carlisle says it's daunting to just think about what James does to stay in this kind of condition.