"I told you I could fly" - When LeBron James demonstrated his ability to defy gravity following a mind-blowing highlight reel

Throughout his career, LeBron James has been known to excite the crowd with his athleticism and ability to finish play with flare. Much of those came in his early years in the NBA while he was with the Cleveland Cavaliers , at the peak of his athletic power.

King James showed his exceptional leaping ability in almost every game. Still, one of his greatest dunks happened in 2004 when LBJ wowed fans with the crazy leap to finish an emphatic dunk. What made the effort surreal was that the Cavs star's surge was nearly the level of the top of the backboard.

"I told you all I could fly," James said after the Cavs win over the Charlotte Bobcats via the New York Times. "I like it up there. Not too many people up there with me."

James would finish with a game-high 19 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds. It was the 5th straight win for Cleveland at the time after starting the 2004-05 season with three losses.

Out for retribution

LeBron's performance in his second year was a big jump compared to his rookie season. Aside from showing fans and teams that he was a generational player, the 6'9" wanted to send a message to 2004 United States Men's Basketball team head coach Larry Brown.

The 2004 Rookie of the Year was hardly given the opportunity to play in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. He played behind the likes of Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson, and Dwyane Wade, managing only 5.4 points in 11.4 minutes per game.

"I felt like that was my opportunity to showcase my talent to the world, and I really wasn't provided the opportunity to do that," James rued.

That experience would motivate the Ohio native, who couldn't wait to get back to the NBA. As his agent, Aaron Goodwin, explained, Bron wanted to show everyone that he had plenty more to give and deserved to be in the league.

"He wants to prove to Larry Brown and everybody he belongs and can play. Not only that, he wants to lead our team," James' teammate, Jeff McInnis, said at the time.

LBJ would not be deterred

Despite that disappointing experience , Bron just moved on and was driven to show the world who he really was. Although he admitted that he was a bit surprised at how things worked out, the four-time champ would answer the call to represent the United States once more if given the chance.

"I had no idea what I was getting into," he said . "I just wanted to have the experience. Everything on the court I didn't expect. But I think I'd do it again."

Former first round pick would stick to his word, suiting up in three more Olympics for USA Basketball. Bron made those stints way more memorable. After settling for the bronze in 2004, King James would bounce back in 2008, 2012, and the 2024 Olympics to take home a gold medal for Team USA.

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