Tatum has a big fan in LeBron

Celtics rookie Jayson Tatum is still waiting for LeBron James' Twitter follow back, but he might have earned something far more meaningful during the Eastern Conference final: James' respect.

James sought out Tatum on the floor at TD Garden after the Cleveland Cavaliers' 87-79 Game 7 triumph on Sunday. Then James showered Boston's 20-year-old forward with praise at his postgame media conference.

"I just love everything about the kid, the way he plays the game, his demeanor, where he comes from," James said. "I just know he's built for stardom. He's built for success. And that's both on and off the floor."

Tatum, Boston's leading scorer in the postseason, scored a team-high 24 points on 9-of-17 shooting with seven rebounds over 42 minutes in Game 7. His first-quarter outburst helped Boston build an early 12-point lead, and he briefly helped the Celtics rally ahead in the fourth quarter before James clinched his eighth straight trip to the Finals.

During Boston's late-game charge, Tatum stormed the paint and dunked over James. Then Tatum bumped the Cavs captain while exulting in the aftermath.

"I had to get him back for the two shots he hit on me in Cleveland," Tatum said, referencing a couple of late daggers that James hit to secure Cleveland's Game 6 win.

"I meant no disrespect. Just in the moment, made a play. Just showing emotion."

ESPN.COM