Jayson Tatum On How LeBron James Made Him Cry When He Was 11

Jayson Tatum recently shared a poignant and humorous story from his childhood involving NBA legend LeBron James. During a Team USA practice, Tatum recounted an experience that left a lasting impression on him, both emotionally and competitively. In a video shared by the NBA, Tatum revisited this story with LeBron, who responded with amusement and respect.

Jayson Tatum: "Crazy thing is, LeBron told me no. I gotta tell him about this story. I ain't never told him that story."

"He ain't tell me no, but he kinda told me no. In Memphis a long time ago, Larry Hughes was my dad's best friend, they played on the Cavs together. My mom took me to a game in Memphis."

"I wanted to meet LeBron, and I wanted to get a picture with him and an autograph, and there was a lot of people back there. And he was like, I'm out. I got to go. And I got in the car and started crying. But we cool now."

LeBron James: "He asked me for my autograph, and I didn't give it to him. When was that?"

Jayson Tatum: "I was like 11."

LeBron James: " That's why you dunked on me, though. That's why you dunked on me in the Conference Finals."

Jayson Tatum: "It's the get-back."

LeBron James: "And by the way, that's when you had that haircut. That's the last time you had the haircut, when you punched on me."

This childhood disappointment didn't tarnish Tatum's respect for LeBron. Instead, it fueled his competitive spirit. Years later, Tatum had his chance for redemption in the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, where he famously dunked on LeBron. This iconic moment was a powerful metaphor for Tatum's journey from being an awestruck kid to an NBA superstar capable of competing with his idols.

The conversation highlighted not only Tatum’s growth but also the camaraderie and mutual respect between the two players. Tatum’s story, while humorous, underscores the impact of childhood idols and the motivational power of early experiences.

Despite the initial disappointment, Tatum used that moment as a catalyst to drive his career forward. Now, as teammates on Team USA, Tatum and LeBron share a unique bond, enriched by their shared history.

Tatum’s tale is a testament to resilience and the importance of perseverance. From a teary-eyed kid in Memphis to an NBA champion and Olympic teammate of LeBron, Tatum's journey is a remarkable narrative of growth, determination, and the realization of childhood dreams.

LeBron James Got The Last Laugh On Jayson Tatum In 2018

While Jayson Tatum had his memorable moment of dunking on LeBron James during the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, it was LeBron who ultimately had the last laugh. The series went to a decisive Game 7, where LeBron's experience and dominance shone through.

Leading the Cleveland Cavaliers , LeBron delivered a monster performance, scoring 35 points, grabbing 15 rebounds, and dishing out 9 assists. His near triple-double was instrumental in the Cavs closing out the Boston Celtics , securing an 87-79 victory to advance to the NBA Finals.

Throughout the seven-game series, LeBron was nothing short of spectacular. He averaged 33.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, 8.4 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. His efficiency was equally impressive, shooting 52.4% from the field and a remarkable 40.9% from beyond the arc. LeBron's consistent and dominant play underlined why he is considered one of the greatest players of all time.

On the other side, Jayson Tatum, who was in his rookie season, showcased his potential and composure in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs. Tatum finished Game 7 with 24 points and 7 rebounds, demonstrating his readiness to compete at the highest level.

Throughout the series, Tatum averaged 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game, while shooting 49.5% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range. His performances were a testament to his talent and promise for the future.

Despite Tatum's impressive rookie outing, it was LeBron's brilliance that ultimately decided the series. His ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments underscored his leadership and clutch gene. For Tatum, the series was a valuable learning experience, while for LeBron, it was another chapter in his storied career, reinforcing his legacy as a clutch performer and a relentless competitor.

In the end, while Tatum's dunk was a highlight, LeBron's overall impact and series-winning performance secured the last laugh, leading the Cavs to another Finals appearance.

Related: John Stockton On LeBron James’ GOAT Case: "You're Not Climbing The Mountain, You're Taking A Helicopter To The Top”

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