Athletes We'd Love to Watch a Game With

A lot of athletes are spectators too, and I personally would love to watch a game with say, LeBron James.

When seeking out game-viewing companions, what do you look for? Who are the best people to watch games with? Well, I’d say the best spectators are people who are really passionate and into the games. They are knowledgeable and love to get involved in the conversation.

Or, maybe they just have a really sweet man cave or media room. Seriously, if you were friends with Floyd Mayweather, you could watch games on a yacht.

Or maybe, they just seem like really fun people. Something about them just makes you think they’d be cool as hell in real life.

Dishonorable Mention: Draymond Green

Because no one wants to get food thrown at them while watching a game—even if it is just four grapes.

Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant is a devoted fan. He spent his recovery from foot surgery watching games and supporting other athletes. Not to mention, he’s got a mini basketball hoop next to his TV for halftime amusement.

Durant is also a passionate fan of sports other than basketball. He’s a diehard Washington Redskins fan and even called DeSean Jackson last offseason to help recruit him to the team.

Finally, he keeps a positive attitude even when his team is down. You don’t want to watch a game with a total hothead/downer.

Chipper Jones

Kevin Liles/Getty Images

Who knew Chipper Jones was Mr. Funny Guy? During the College Football Playoff National Championship, the former MLB star chronicled the events with hilarious selfies.

I’d love to watch games with a baseball legend who has a great sense of humor.

Alex Morgan

Alex Morgan: America’s Sweetheart. Her Instagram will show you that she doesn’t take herself too seriously. She can also be seen at a hockey game, basketball game and watching last year’s NFL playoffs. So, she’s a sports fan.

As far as spectating goes, Morgan is definitely the type of person who will pause the game and re-watch anything notable and/or hilarious. Just check out this video of her watching the Richard Sherman interview. She’s likable with a good sense of humor, a perfect sports viewing companion. 

Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin has a sweet setup to watch games. He one-upped Kevin Durant’s basketball hoop by setting up a ping-pong table.

Plus, in case you didn’t know, Blake Griffin is a pretty funny guy. You might be able to convince him to do his stand-up routine at halftime.

CC Sabathia

Kathy Willens/Associated Press

There were reports back in June of CC Sabathia selling his California home with an incredible media viewing room. It had a bar, recliners, huge screen and of course, tons of memorabilia—a perfect man cave.

That said, even if/when his house does sell, I’m betting he’ll have a similar setup in his new digs.

James Harden

James Harden just seems like a fun guy, right? Seriously, he hangs out with Carlton and rides Segways for fun. Plus, he has a good sense of humor about himself. He starred in this Foot Locker commercial that outright made fun of his defense on the court, or alleged lack thereof.

Mike Krzyzewski, his Team USA coach, called him “an upbeat guy” and said he “has a great personality.” I’d like to watch a game with Harden because you never know what type of entertainment might ensue.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams is a tennis star and sports lover. She’s often seen at NBA games and even a hockey game now and again. She’s a fixture in the athletic community and friends with other athletes. Reporters even asked her to comment on LeBron James back when he was deciding whether or not to stay in Miami.

This is a fun person who is in the know when it comes to sports. I’d definitely watch a game with her.

Floyd Mayweather

Floyd Mayweather is on this list purely for what he would bring to the table in terms of viewing experience. The guy is into luxury, and he’s not shy about it. Here he is watching a game on a yacht, for crying out loud.

He’s also got a private jet with a TV to watch games on. That's what I call traveling in style.

I’m not saying I absolutely must watch sports from private boats and planes, but I wouldn’t turn it down.  

Michael Phelps

How often do you get to watch a game with the most decorated Olympian of all time? Well never, but actually, the real reason Michael Phelps would be great to watch sports with is because of his passion.

He’s from the Baltimore area, and he is a well-known supporter of all its teams. His social media is littered with enthusiastic posts about the Ravens, Orioles and nearby Washington Capitals. This is a guy who knows his stuff, someone who could no doubt hold his own in any sports conversation.

Plus he is in a possible bromance with Ray Lewis.

Nate Robinson

Nate Robinson is from Seattle and went to school at the University of Washington. Needless to say, he’s a big Seahawks fan, and he’s not afraid to show it.

His intense passion for Seattle is awesome. Plus, when your team comes back from a 16-0 halftime deficit to earn a trip to its second-straight Super Bowl, you should be fired up.

LeBron James

When it comes to the most encouraging, involved sports fans out there, LeBron James has to be among them. This is a guy who constantly tweets out congratulations to other athletes and teams. He is clearly a follower of the sports world in general, and because of that, he’d likely be able to hold a great sports conversation.

Plus, check out his awesome viewing setup.

Rob Gronkowski

Forget just watching a game—who wouldn’t want to hang out with Rob Gronkowski in general? Everything about him just screams “fun guy.” Exhibit A: He owns his own party bus.

Not only that, but he’s recently gone into the furniture moving business, so he might be down to help you rearrange the man cave if needed.  

But mainly, if you were watching a game with Gronk, he might bust out his awesome dance moves when good things happen.