Rudy Gobert: LeBron James Is 'The Most Criticized Player of Our Generation'

Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert believes LeBron James' success on the basketball court has led to an increase in the amount of criticism he's received. 

In an interview with Sam Amick of The Athletic, Gobert said James is "the most criticized player of our generation."

Gobert was making the point that whenever an athlete or team has success, that opens them up to additional criticism rather than primarily focusing on the things they do well. 

Some of the criticisms levied at James over the course of his career have been warranted. He has acknowledged his handling of "The Decision" in 2010 was a good idea that was executed badly.

There were playoff games late in his first run with the Cleveland Cavaliers and during his first NBA Finals with the Miami Heat when he didn't play well. 

James was criticized for needing to team up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami to win a title. He's been criticized for having a losing record in the NBA Finals, even though he's advanced to the championship series nine times in the previous 10 seasons. 

Gobert's Jazz team currently leads the NBA with a 16-5 record, but they are going to be subject to criticism leading up to the playoffs after losing in the first round each of the past two seasons. 

James silenced some of his critics last year by leading the Lakers to an NBA championship. Gobert is hoping to lead the Jazz to the top of the mountain this season.