Finally setting the record straight, Los Angeles Lakers’ legend, LeBron James has cleared the long running rumours involving a pickup game with former basketball Hall of Famer, Michael Jordan. The game is set a long time ago, before LeBron James’ draft in the NBA but an interest was fuelled to become the star he is now. Playing pickup with so many basketball legends at a young age, LeBron James was asked to set everything clear and explain how he felt during the pickup. Here’s what he had to say on the podcast.
The 2001 James vs Jordan pickup
No fixed rosters, competitive but friendly, pickup games occur on every court with people of all skills wanting to shoot hoops. An infamous occasion was the pickup against the NBA veteran, Michael Jordan and LeBron James, who was 16 years old at that time and a sophomore in high school. James recalled the moments in those days saying, “First of all, MJ, Antoine Walker and the rest of those guys did not let young guys get on the court, at all”.
Playing against LeBron James, the veteran had won six NBA Championships and was 38 years old, coming out of retirement to play for the Washington Wizards. James continued to say, “Usually when the older guys, they get tired and they don’t want to play no more, they’re like whatever.” Jordan amongst other veterans, Antoine Walker, Penny Hardaway, Ron Artest, Michael Finley, probably witness true potential from James.
“It did happen”: James clears up rumours
Having a conversation with the NFL brothers, Tavis and Jason Kelce on their podcast, New Heights, LeBron James was asked to clear what was an urban myth and is now turned a legendary occasion between star players. The four-time NBA champion confirmed it by saying, “But I did, and I was able to get on the court. I was on the court with Michael Jordan, Antoine Walker, Penny Hardaway, Ron Artest, Michael Finley.”
Travis Kelce then asked James, which player was guarding him, to which he’s iconic response was “’Nobody. I was unguardable.” Although proclaiming a brave response, LeBron James admits that he was “nervous as hell” when he stepped on the court. This emotion is understandable, with the star’s potential soon noticed by the team.
Although he felt this way, James added that he overcame his anxiety, saying, “When I finally got out there, I was like: ‘I’m bustin’ ass, man.’ I was nervous as hell, being out there with ‘MJ’ and the rest of those guys. But I was like, ‘I’m about to go crazy,’ and I did, I did.” Michael Jordan was notorious for organizing pickup games in the 90s, with Joshua Rogers mentioning that the games aimed to uplift upcoming basketball stars.
LeBron James from 2001 to current wins
Joining the NBA two years after the pickup games, the star was drafted in 2003 and since then has been a trailblazer on the courts winning four MVP awards. Setting and breaking records, February 2023, marks James’ overtake of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time highest points score. Having “firsts” in his accolade, the Laker’s star was the first player to play on the NBA court in his teenage years, 20s, 30s, and 40s.
A 2001 memorable occasion for young LeBron James paved the way into one of the best NBA careers. Finally clearing the rumours, it’s amazing what opening up opportunities to young talent can do for the basketball community. With Michael Jordan’s passion to bring pickup games and inspire aspiring basketball stars, LeBron James amongst other stars such as Dwayne Wade and the late Kobe Bryant are results of Jordan’s pickup games. Will LeBron James, continue this initiative in more public courts and allow young talent to follow in his path?
