LeBron: Celtics' Mazzulla is a 'f-----g genius'

LeBron James is a fan of Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla.

The Los Angeles Lakers star expressed admiration for Mazzulla on the latest episode of his "Mind the Game" podcast, particularly when it comes to the coach's calm demeanor.

"This Joe Mazzulla guy is a f-----g genius, bro," James told co-host JJ Redick while discussing Mazzulla's decision to foul while up six points in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers. "The more and more I talk to you, the more and more I like this Joe guy."

James added, "I see why he sits over there and he says absolutely nothing, and he's calm as f---. He only gets a little, like (angry), when he knows they're not playing the right way offensively. It's never defensively. It's never because of the 3-point attempts. It's never, ever if the team makes a run. He's calm. It's only when they don't play the game the right way that he gets a little angry."

Mazzulla is in his second season as head coach after previously serving as an assistant for the Celtics. Under his direction, the Celtics posted a league-best record of 64-18 in the regular season and are making their second NBA Finals appearance in three years.