Key Matchup
LeBron James and Cedi Osman
Cedi Osman and LeBron James formed a friendship last season, in Osman’s rookie season.
It is no secret that Cedi Osman cherished his relationship with LeBron. It was evident at the Cavaliers Media Day when Osman told the story of working out with James this summer. Even last season when LeBron referred to Osman as “his guy” in a post game presser. Tonight will be the first time, Osman will play against one of his mentors. “That’s a matchup I’ve been thinking of since the begging of the year,” Osman said today following the Cavs shootaround. The relationship between these two continues on even though, LeBron is in LA. Osman spoke about how James texted him while Osman was out with a back injury.
Despite the friendship, Osman still clearly looks up to James. Even mentioning how last season was about earning respect, “last year when I was hear, the most important thing was to earn his respect… and I did that.” Osmans work ethic helped bridge the gap between a 15 year vet and a 23 year old Turkish rookie. This season Osman has tried to fill the big shoes, left in the starting small-forward postion in Cleveland. This season has been up and down for Osman on the court, but he has shown an ability to be a playmaker. Osman has found himself in many of the same situations LeBron used to, as a point forward. Wednesday night will be Osman’s third game back after missing two games with back spasms.
Regardless what uniform LeBron is wearing, he is still LeBron.His 51 points last game on the road against the Heat, was vintage LeBron. The Cavaliers, like many teams don’t have one player to guard James but expect Osman and David Nwaba to get most of the duties. Osman is excited for the challenge, ” being on the floor, and guarding him is going to be a special challenge for me.”
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