LeBron James Reflects on Derrick Rose’s Legacy: “We All Love D-Rose, Man”
LeBron James is in Year 23 of his NBA career, and somehow, he’s still finding ways to make headlines - both with his play and his perspective. While the clock may be ticking on his legendary run, James remains a central figure in the Los Angeles Lakers’ championship ambitions. But even as he chases another ring, LeBron is taking time to honor the players who shaped the league alongside him - including one who never quite got the ending his talent deserved.
On a recent episode of his Mind the Game podcast with Steve Nash, James opened up about Derrick Rose - and it was more than just a passing mention. It was a heartfelt tribute to a former rival, a teammate, and a player whose story still resonates deeply with fans and fellow athletes alike.
“I hope and I hope dearly people have not forgotten about Derrick Rose,” James said. “One of the most explosive players that I’ve ever played. One of the most competitive players I ever played.”
That’s high praise coming from a four-time MVP and one of the greatest to ever lace them up. And it wasn’t just lip service.
James talked about the battles he had with Rose during his Miami Heat days and again after returning to Cleveland - matchups that were must-watch TV in the early 2010s. Rose, still in his early 20s at the time, was already making history.
“If people don’t know, he’s the youngest MVP in our league’s history,” James reminded listeners. “And what he meant for the Chicago Bulls - he meant even more for the city of Chicago in whole.”
That 2010-11 MVP season feels like a lifetime ago, but the impact hasn’t faded. Rose was electric - a point guard with a lightning first step, fearless drives to the rim, and the kind of athleticism that made defenders look like they were standing still.
He didn’t just carry the Bulls - he gave the entire city a jolt of hope. For a stretch, it felt like he might be the one to dethrone LeBron’s teams in the East.
But then came the injuries. Devastating ones.
The kind that don’t just change careers - they change lives. And yet, Rose never stopped grinding.
He kept coming back, reinventing his game, and finding ways to contribute. His journey took him from Chicago to New York, Minnesota, Detroit, and eventually Memphis, where he quietly wrapped up his playing career.
LeBron didn’t ignore that part of the story. In fact, he made it central to his message.
“Injuries suck, they really do,” James said. “But the battles that I had against D.
Rose... he’s a legend, he’s a great, and we all love Derrick Rose. If you have ever played basketball, have ever been a part of our league, there’s not one bad thing people can say about Derrick Rose.
He was an unbelievable competitor.”
That kind of admiration doesn’t come easy in the NBA, where rivalries run deep and respect is earned through blood, sweat, and playoff battles. But Rose earned it - from LeBron and from a generation of players who grew up watching him.
You can see that legacy in guys like Adou Thiero, a rookie who chose to wear No. 1 in honor of Rose. That’s not just a number. That’s a statement - a nod to the player who inspired him, even if injuries robbed fans of seeing the full arc of Rose’s greatness.
Still Dunking, Still Humble
And just in case anyone forgot - LeBron’s still got some bounce left, too. In a recent game against the San Antonio Spurs, James threw down a poster dunk over Luke Kornet that had fans buzzing. But in classic LeBron fashion, he downplayed the moment, noting that it came in a loss.
That’s LeBron in a nutshell - still putting up highlights, still chasing wins, and still giving props to the players who helped define an era.
And when it comes to Derrick Rose, the respect runs deep.
“We love Derrick Rose, man,” James said. “We really do.”
It’s a reminder that greatness isn’t always measured in rings or longevity. Sometimes, it’s about the impact you leave - on the court, in the locker room, and in the hearts of those who watched you rise.