The NBA in 2003 was quite literally not ready for an 18-year-old high school kid. In 2003, the Cleveland Cavaliers drafted LeBron James with the first pick in the NBA Draft. Going into the draft, immense hype and media attention surrounded LeBron. The Sports Illustrated magazine even declared LeBron the “Chosen One.” However, despite the immense initial hype, King James has somehow managed to surpass such lofty expectations.
LeBron James has led the NBA into a new era of global popularity and prosperity following the retirement of Michael Jordan. He is still going strong well into his 21 seasons as an NBA professional. LeBron’s brilliance and longevity are something to be marveled at. However, his opponents recognized his extraordinary talents even during his rookie season.
Meta World Peace, who was also known as Ron Artest in the early 2000s, played against an 18-year-old LeBron during his rookie season. During a conversation on the Club 520 podcast, Meta World stated that he wasn’t ready to face LeBron. He said, “I wasn’t ready for that (LeBron)… He gave me 25 (points). I remember the day clearly. 25 in my prime was like 30-40 (points). When he did that, I was like wow.”
In that particular game, LeBron netted 23 points, shooting 8 for 18 from the field and making 6 of 7 free throws. LeBron James played in 79 games in his rookie season and averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. He capped off his stellar first season in the NBA by winning the Rookie of the Year (ROY) award. Since then, LeBron has established himself as the NBA’s most transcendent superstar since Michael Jordan. However, he’s still chasing his fifth championship ring. Could he achieve this milestone with the Lakers in the current season?
Can LeBron James finally win his 5th NBA title?
LeBron James has been one of the best players in the league for more than two decades, and that has been the case this season too. LeBron has averaged 25.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 8 assists per game in his 21st season of NBA basketball. No other player in their 21st season has come close to achieving such remarkable stats. But despite LeBron’s age-defying performances, the Lakers have struggled this season.
The Lakers currently occupy the 9th spot in the Western Conference standings, with 36 wins from 66 games. Their best chance of getting into the playoffs is via the play-in tournament. However, this would mean that they would either face the Nuggets, Thunder, or the Timberwolves in the first round, all of whom possess significantly better rosters. At the moment, a title win for LeBron and the Lakers looks improbable. But stranger things have happened in the NBA, so don’t be surprised if the Lakers make a deep postseason run.
