LeBron James highlights Stephon Castle's championship mindset and disciplined approach, attributing his San Antonio Spurs growth to a deep-seated winning mentality.
LOS ANGELES — LeBron James believes Stephon Castle’s growth is rooted in something deeper than a second-year statistical jump.
The 22-time NBA All-Star recently offered pointed praise for the San Antonio Spurs guard, focusing less on Castle’s expanding box-score production and more on the habits that shaped it. Through 44 games this season, Castle is averaging 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in 30.2 minutes per game while shooting 46.4% from the field and 53.8% on two-point attempts — all career highs.
James said Castle’s foundation was built well before he entered the league.
Reflecting on Castle’s decision to play at UConn Huskies, James emphasized the guard’s willingness to sacrifice individual opportunity in favor of team structure during a national championship run.
“I like the fact that he went to UConn, and even though he was the most talented guy on the team, that he just kinda went in there and just played his role,” James said. “He defended at a high-level. He showed flashes of his athleticism. But he didn’t step outside the box, he was just fitting in, and they won a National Championship. That’s a winning player.”
James added that Castle’s talent was never in doubt, which is why he became a lottery pick and why his NBA progression has followed.
“I think we all saw how talented the kid was, and that’s the reason why he was a lottery pick and that’s the reason why he’s doing what he’s doing now,” James said.
Castle’s sophomore leap has been measurable. Along with increases in scoring and assists, he has posted career-best marks in rebounds, steals, field-goal percentage, two-point percentage, effective field-goal percentage and minutes. His 50.7% effective field-goal rate reflects improved efficiency despite a larger offensive role.
James said what stood out most was Castle’s decision not to pursue a ball-dominant college path.
“But the fact that he didn’t go somewhere where he could just dominate the ball and shoot a bunch of shots or whatever the case may be, I love that aspect,” James said.
Castle now operates within the Spurs’ developmental system, a program long associated with structure, spacing and defensive discipline.
“Obviously, him being in San Antonio, that also helps, too,” James said. “It’s like, ‘You’re gonna learn the game the right way. You’re gonna play the game the right way.’”
James also commented on Castle’s demeanor, noting that while they do not have a personal relationship, he has been impressed by what he has observed.
“And his talent is obviously spoken for, but he just seems like a good kid,” James said. “I don’t really know him like that personally like I have a personal relationship with him, but he seems like a great kid. I’m pretty good at kinda noticing if you’re a good person or not.”
For the Spurs, Castle’s development aligns with their long-term approach. The 6-foot-6 guard has shown the ability to balance playmaking with scoring efficiency while maintaining defensive activity, averaging 1.3 steals per game.
For James, the endorsement was about substance rather than highlight moments.
In a league where usage and scoring totals often define perception, James framed Castle as a player whose early discipline — first at UConn and now in San Antonio — positions him for sustained impact rather than fleeting production.