Years before LeBron James took over the professional basketball world, a gym full of veterans got a glimpse at the future. An NBA great has shared what it felt like to witness that raw teenage potential.

Tim Hardaway Sr. appeared on the 4th & South podcast, and he recalled a famous Chicago pickup game. The setting was Tim Grover’s Hoops gym in 2001. Elite players like Michael Jordan, Metta World Peace, and Antoine Walker were all in the building. 

Hardaway recalled, “We was playing a game, and it was a 3 on 2. We knew he liked to pass. Me and a guy he went one way, and I went the other way to stop the pass. M*********** just took off from the FT line. He coming down full speed, and the M* just took off. We was like ‘damn.’ He missed the dunk, but we was like ‘damn, did you see that M* take off like that?”

World Peace also recalled those physical runs in Chicago. He stated the 15-year-old was already built for the pros and prepared for the league.

James validated all that gym hype as soon as he entered the league with the Cleveland Cavaliers. During the 2003-04 season, he averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. He secured the unanimous Rookie of the Year award. 

James then became the youngest player to score 1,000 points and then 2,000 points. He also dropped 40 points in a game at just 19 years old. 

Hardaway and James never actually played an official game against each other. Their only on-court meeting was a random summer run in Chicago. 

Hardaway's story confirms that even in his teens, James' potential was undeniable to NBA veterans.

The kid in his teens who made veterans stop and stare in a Chicago gym has never stopped proving people wrong, and at 41, he’s still doing it on the biggest stage.

LeBron James Silences Every Critic by Leading Lakers Past Rockets

The Lakers secured their first playoff series victory since 2023 by defeating the Rockets 98-78 in Game 5, which completed their series win. James posted 28 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds in a vintage performance for the 41-year-old.

These statistics highlight the unprecedented longevity of James' postseason career. LeBron James has achieved 42 playoff series victories, which means he has played more postseason games than 24 NBA teams combined.

The league records show that only six teams have achieved more series victories than the Lakers (113), Celtics (94), 76ers (48), Warriors (48), Spurs (46), and Knicks (46). After playing in 23 seasons, he continues to build his professional achievements.

LeBron James has played in 298 playoff matches, resulting in 188 victories and 110 defeats, and has made eight consecutive appearances in the NBA Finals.

Do you think LeBron James has one more championship run left in him at 41? Comment down below!

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Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Utsav Gupta