Rashad McCants reveals the origin of his dislike for LeBron James: "Ever since then he's been on my hit list"

While LeBron James continues to garner increasing respect and admiration from NBA analysts, particularly for his relentless pursuit of a fifth championship at the age of 39, one former NBA player-turned-analyst unapologetically criticizes him— Rashad McCants .

Interestingly, the former Minnesota Timberwolves guard recently confessed that his resentment towards The King didn't emerge after he rose to success in the league but during their high school years when McCants believed LeBron was unfairly heralded over him.

LeBron was superior to McCants in every possible way

McCants had been a rising star in high school, earning national recognition and being named New Hampshire Player of the Year in 2001 and 2002, averaging 26 points per game at New Hampton School. Although he seemed like one of the most electrifying players in his class, a young LeBron had even more eyeballs around his trajectory.

On the other hand, James, in 2001, had already been touted as the 'next big thing' in the NBA. As a sophomore, he averaged 25.3 points per game for St. Vincent-St. Mary and became the first high school underclassman to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Just when the hype around his potential strengthened, his performance in his junior year was even more remarkable - improving his averages to 28 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3 steals per game, earning titles like Ohio Mr. Basketball and Gatorade National Player of the Year.

While the future four-time NBA MVP was being celebrated as the next NBA superstar, McCants felt his own achievements were being overlooked.

McCants' dislike for James started early on

In his appearance on the 'Gil's Arenas podcast, the North Carolina native revealed that LeBron entered his 'hit list' when he saw media circuits comparing James to NBA legends like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

"In 2001. The Parade All-American magazine, that **** popped up out of nowhere in the magazine. I'm like who the f**k is this n***a? It's supposed to be me and all these n****s, and this n***a popped up and they put him above me. And I was like, 'I need to know who this n***a is,'" McCants said. "Ever since then, he's been on my hit list."

Thus, the next time Rashad criticizes LeBron's performance, particularly in Year 22, his opinion may be rooted in his past beef with the 6'9" forward.

Related: Rashad McCants says he respects Reggie Miller's legacy more than LeBron's: "Reggie didn't have nowhere near the pieces that LeBron had"