LeBron James backs $36.3M Texans star amid struggles as team moves on to divisional round against Chiefs

With the Texans facing off against the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round, the stakes couldn't be higher. But what makes this matchup even more intriguing is the backing of NBA icon LeBron James, who’s been vocal about his support for CJ Stroud and the team. Despite the Texans' rollercoaster season, including Stroud's growing pains and injuries to key players, LeBron’s confidence in their resilience could be just the spark they need. As they prepare to take on Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, Houston is ready to prove they’re more than capable of defying the odds.Despite the Houston Texans' up-and-down season and CJ Stroud's struggles in his sophomore year, LeBron James is stepping up to offer his support as the team readies for a divisional round battle against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. The LA Lakers icon opened up about the challenges Stroud and the Texans are facing, emphasizing that the departures of Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell have left a notable void in the roster."I felt like the Texans, they hadn't played consistent football all year, you know," James said, via the 'New Heights' podcast. And obviously, losing (Stefon Diggs) and losing (Tank Dell) — big pieces. And my boy CJ Stroud has been struggling a little bit this year."He noted that even without key star players, the Texans proved they could still find their rhythm."I felt like the Chargers were coming in strong," James said. "But turnovers, we all know the name of the game in sports, especially in football. Man, it’s turnovers." (via: Sportskeeda)James praised the Texans' defense for stepping up at the crucial moments, forcing key turnovers that shifted the momentum in their dramatic win over the LA Chargers. Despite barely making it into the playoffs, the Texans are eager to shock the Chiefs. With a champion like James in their corner, Houston has the drive and determination to challenge Kansas City head-on. This surprising story is one to keep an eye on.Also Read: Kyler Murray and His Hidden Wealth: A Peek into His Luxury LifestyleAfter an impressive rookie season that had fans excited about his future, CJ Stroud’s sophomore campaign has hit a rough patch. Struggling with a shaky offensive line and key injuries to his top playmakers, Stroud’s performance has dipped from his standout debut, where he passed for over 4,000 yards. Despite securing a $36.3 million contract in July 2023, the mounting pressure has taken a toll. In the Texans' wild-card game, their defense stepped up, forcing crucial turnovers to cover for offensive mistakes. While Stroud made some solid plays, he couldn’t get the offense in full gear. Now, with the high-stakes matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs ahead, Stroud faces his toughest challenge yet.