Giants’ Odell Beckham Jr. invokes LeBron James to silence doubters

New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is beaming in his return to the Big Apple. He has often said New York will always be his home. Now, the prodigal son is back, and he is willing to do anything to regain the trust of the city.

Beckham had an unceremonious exit from the Giants in 2019. After months of public friction and mounting displeasure, New York traded him to the Cleveland Browns. It began a journeyman stretch for the two-time All-Pro, who also had short stints with the Los Angeles Rams, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Miami Dolphins.

In his return to the Giants, Beckham wants to prove that he can still play meaningful football. He even mentioned Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James, as reported by the New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy.

“Everybody likes to talk about, ‘Is he going to be this, that?’ I’m like, ‘LeBron James used to take off before the free-throw line, and now, he’s taking off with his foot right in front of it. He’s got a different game, but he’s still playing at a high level.’ I believe that I can play at a high level,” said the three-time Pro Bowler.

OBJ and LBJ have shared a long-standing friendship, with the 41-year-old James serving as mentor and confidant to the 33-year-old Beckham.

Beckham may be past his prime, but he stressed that he can still battle with anyone. He said he has no problem playing any role for the Giants, as long as he is on the gridiron. It might be similar to James’ mindset with the 76ers.

“I definitely put pressure on myself to make plays. I’m all for competition. I’ve always been like that. I feel like I rise to the occasion,” added Beckham, who helped the Rams win the Super Bowl in 2022.

He will likely be a backup, with Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, and Darnell Mooney projected to remain in the starting unit.

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