Lakers' LeBron James Explains How He Knows If Young Players Will Be Successful in NBA

LeBron James went from the Chosen One in high school to one of the greatest players in NBA history, so few, if any, would know what it takes to succeed as a young player in the league better than him.

He opened up about how he knows when a young player is destined for success during a discussion with JJ Redick in their Mind the Game podcast (11-minute mark).

"Coaches and veterans being able to get on them and there's no snickering, there's no backtalk," James said. "… They almost look like, 'just keep on coming with it. Because I want to see how much I can. Just keep on, keep on, because I'm absorbing everything.' That's when you know, oh he's going to be in this league for a long time."

While James is still playing at a high level even in his 21st season at 39 years old, he has also moved into more of a leadership and mentorship position as his career continues.

But there was a time when he was just a rookie in 2003-04 who was entering the league with arguably the most hype in NBA history. His approach as a young player surely worked, as his resume now features four championships, four league MVPs, four NBA Finals MVPs, 19 All-NBA selections and 20 All-Star Game nods.

He also won the Rookie of the Year when he was first starting with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Young players who are fortunate enough to play alongside the King would be wise to seek out his advice in every area of the game and, like he said, absorb as much as they can.

That likely won't put them on the same path as the future Hall of Famer, but it can help set them up for success given James' overall knowledge of the game and ability to make his teammates better.