LeBron Praised For "Stellar Comedic Turn" In Upcoming Apatow Film "Trainwreck"

Audiences "will surely flip" for Cavaliers F LEBRON JAMES' "stellar comedic turn playing a version of himself" in the upcoming film "TRAINWRECK," according to Sara Vilkomerson of ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY. Director JUDD APATOW said, "It's not just a cameo. It's a real role and he kills in every scene." The movie's writer and star, AMY SCHUMER, said of why she wrote James' name into the original script despite her indifference toward sports, "He's the only basketball player I've ever heard of. It was him or LARRY BIRD." Schumer and Apatow "were resigned to the idea that when it came to casting, they'd probably have to settle for a less well-known player." Apatow said, "LeBron was the person we dreamed of getting, but you always assume you're going to end up with your 10th choice." Vilkomerson notes James "was game" after Apatow and actor BILL HADER "took him out and pitched him on the idea." James' scenes in early screenings "have earned some of the biggest laughs," including one in which he "earnestly recites lyrics from KANYE WEST's 'GOLD DIGGER' midconversation." It will be "fun to see if James continues to pursue a career in Hollywood when he's ready to hang up his basketball shoes." James in '07 "cohosted the ESPY Awards" with ABC's JIMMY KIMMEL, in addition to hosting "SNL." Meanwhile, James and actor KEVIN HART are "attached to play brothers in a comedy for Universal Pictures that's currently still in development" (ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY, 7/3 issue).