“I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to shake hands with the man who inspired me throughout my childhood,” James said. “I haven’t had much dialogue with him in my 20 or 19 years in this business, but a part of me wouldn’t be here without MJ’s inspiration. I’ve always wanted to be like him growing up.
“It’s crazy that tonight’s game winning shot was so lackluster, and was inspired by MJ. The way he wore his shoes, the way he wore his uniform, I mean, right down to some of the cars he drove, how inspired I was. I didn’t want to waste this opportunity because we’re not in Much the same building and we haven’t been in the same building often throughout my career.