LeBron James raves about Tyrese Haliburton ahead of Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Finals for first-ever NBA title

Just days before the 2025 NBA Finals tip-off, LeBron James took a moment to spotlight one of the postseason’s breakout leaders—Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. Speaking on the latest episode of his Mind the Game podcast with Steve Nash, James praised Haliburton not just for his on-court creativity but for the energy and leadership that have helped push Indiana into uncharted territory. With a historic Finals matchup set between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Pacers, James’ words cast Haliburton as more than an All-Star. He’s the driving force behind one of the NBA’s biggest surprises.The Indiana Pacers weren’t supposed to be here, not in the Finals, not battling for a first-ever championship. But when the series begins Thursday, June 5, against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, it’ll be clear who helped rewrite the narrative.LeBron James knows exactly who. During “Mind the Game”, he couldn’t say enough about Haliburton’s consistency and spirit dating back to their time together with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.“Just a great person, man. A great kid,” LeBron said. “Didn’t matter if he was playing or if he got the opportunity, he was the same guy every single day. And you could see that his mainframe was soaking in all the knowledge and the details, being around all of us. He was just super appreciative every single day. Never changed his mood.”That Olympic experience might’ve come with limited minutes, but for Haliburton, it was a learning lab. He shared the floor and locker room with legends like James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. James said it was clear Haliburton paid attention to every detail.Back in Indiana, Haliburton’s positive approach and floor generalship turned heads all season, and now in the playoffs, it’s all clicked. “You look at what’s going on with the Pacers throughout the regular season and now, throughout the postseason, you get it,” LeBron said. “It starts with the head of the snake, and that’s Hali.”James also pushed back on critics who question Haliburton’s upbeat demeanor under pressure. “Some people say, ‘he’s smiling in a hostile environment.’ I’m like this is who he is. Why are we always trying to change people because they don’t fit a narrative?”LeBron didn’t hold back when describing what Haliburton brings to a team. “You can gravitate and bring energy and love, and would run through a wall for certain guys, and he’s a guy that you would do that for, just because of how he plays the game.”His podcast co-host Steve Nash echoed the sentiment. “That infectious positivity coming from your leader… that results in better possessions, good practice days instead of bad,” Nash said.The Finals series itself pits two rising forces against one another. While Haliburton’s Pacers represent the cutting edge of NBA offensive innovation, the Thunder’s suffocating team defense, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has turned heads. LeBron summarized the chess match perfectly. “It’s a perfect matchup.”He also credited Oklahoma City’s defensive chemistry, paraphrasing Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards. “It felt like 15 guys on a puppet string… You slide, I slide. You move, I move.”Also Read: “You want to go through the best team”: Tyrese Haliburton stirs the fire before Indiana Pacers face Oklahoma City Thunder in 2025 NBA FinalsWhether Indiana completes the fairytale run or OKC claims its first-ever title, the 2025 NBA Finals will mark a new chapter in league history. And while Haliburton may not carry the superstar label just yet, those who’ve shared the court with him, like LeBron, already know he belongs among the greats. His leadership, energy, and unwavering identity have brought the Pacers to the brink of something unforgettable.