LeBron praises Haliburton: 'Just a great person' 6w442a

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton made a great impression on LeBron James during their time on the United States men's Olympic basketball team last summer. 61j37

James praised Haliburton's character on Wednesday's episode of his "Mind the Game" podcast, explaining that he was a positive presence throughout Team USA's gold medal run in Paris.

"Just a great person, man. A great kid," James said. "Didn't matter if he was playing or if he got the opportunity, he was the same guy every single day. You could see that his main frame was soaking in all the knowledge and the details being around all of us. He was just super appreciative every single day. Never changed his mood."

James also credited Haliburton as a key part of the Pacers' success this season.

"You look at what's going on with the Pacers throughout the regular season and now throughout the postseason, you get it. You get why they are the team they are, and it starts with the head of the snake, we know that, and that's with Hali," James said. "You can gravitate and bring energy and love and run through a wall for certain guys, and he's a guy that you would do that for just because of how he plays the game."

Haliburton and the Pacers kick off the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night.