Former professional basketball player Lanny Smith recently opened up about his unforgettable experience facing a young LeBron James in the seventh grade during an appearance on the 'Ur. Perspectives' podcast. Reflecting on the first time he played against LeBron at the AAU Nationals, Smith provided a glimpse into what it was like to face a future basketball legend long before he became a household name.
"First time playing against LeBron was in the seventh grade at AAU Nationals. I got that game on tape. So it's always been funny to me when I've heard the outside noise on LeBron early in his career, everybody was wanting him to be like Kobe and be like Jordan."
"I was like, y'all don't understand, this dude was a point guard. That's who I was matched up against. But he was a point guard who could jump out the gym. So on the tape, you see him diming out, but then you also see him getting all this over the rim in the seventh grade, right?"
"Funny story, we checking in the hotel for AAU Nationals. LeBron and his team is standing outside the hotel, and Bron had grown five or six inches. Big Perk, like, yo, is that the same n***a?"
"And I was like, yo, that's the same dude. And we knew then it was a wrap, because everything that you see, the vision, the handling, the playmaking, he had all that at 6'2", 6'3". Now you telling me that this dude can do this at 6'6", 6'7". We knew it was over."
As he watched LeBron's early career unfold, Smith found it amusing to hear the comparisons to Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan , knowing that LeBron's game was fundamentally different from the start.
Even in the seventh grade, LeBron's game was defined by his exceptional court vision, ball-handling skills, and playmaking ability. But what set him apart was his athleticism. Smith shared a memorable anecdote from that AAU Nationals tournament, where LeBron's growth spurt left a lasting impression on everyone, including his teammate Kendrick Perkins.
It was at that moment that Smith and his teammates realized the magnitude of LeBron's potential. LeBron, who had already displayed elite vision, handling, and playmaking skills at 6'2" or 6'3", was now showcasing those abilities at 6'6" or 6'7". The combination of his size, skill, and athleticism made it clear that LeBron was destined for greatness.
Smith's recollection of facing LeBron James in the seventh grade offers a unique perspective on the early development of one of basketball's greatest players. It highlights how LeBron's talent was undeniable from a young age, setting the stage for his legendary career.
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