Popovich's Spurs swept James' Cleveland Cavaliers in 2007 during the fourth season of the King's career. However, James earned some revenge in 2013 when he helped lead the Miami Heat to a dramatic victory over the Spurs in a full seven-game series.

The longtime Spurs coach suffered a mild stroke in November, which kept him sidelined for the rest of the season.

Johnson took over head coaching duties from Popovich, who suffered a stroke and had been away from the team indefinitely.