24 years later, LeBron James recounts his match against Michael Jordan: “No one could…

By Guillaume K. | Sports journalist

Legend has it that LeBron James, as a teenager, would have already dominated Michael Jordan during a summer meeting. The King was questioned on the subject, he gave his version of the facts, and he is clearly proud of this memory…

In 2002/2003, at a time when the NCAA still mattered a lot, Carmelo Anthony had established himself as a true superstar. In his one and only season with Syracuse, the winger averaged 22.2 points, 10 rebounds, and above all he won the university title at the end of a great March Madness. However, no one was talking about him as a potential No. 1 Draft…

This shows the monstrous hype that surrounded LeBron James at this period. The “Chosen One” was only a high school student, and yet the entire NBA microcosm agreed that he had the potential to change the course of History. A reputation which was undoubtedly reinforced by his first sporting encounter with Michael Jordan.

LeBron talks about his match against Michael Jordan

Even if there are no images to prove it, legend has it that young LeBron, then 16 years old, would have totally dominated a summer “run” with MJ, Ron Artest, and other big names from the early 2000s. Asked about this in Travis Kelce’s podcast, Lakers number 23 agreed to give his version of the facts:

Michael Jordan, Antoine Walker and those who participated in these summer meetings did not leave room for young people on the field. Never. At that time I was only 16 years old, it was my second year in high school. The only solution to play was to wait for the old guys to get tired, and that’s what happened. When I entered the field there was MJ, Walker, Penny Hardaway, Ron Artest… Nobody could defend on me, I was untouchable.

I was only 16 years old, and it was in Chicago on the land owned by Michael Jordan! There are videos where Metta World Peace talks about this day as well. When I was finally able to enter the field, I told myself that I was going to destroy everything. I was so nervous to be on the court with Michael Jordan, but I focused on doing well, and I did.

LeBron James confirms it, he did crash a meeting with Michael Jordan and other legends when he was just a teenager. A demonstration which can be explained by his talent, obviously, but also by the fatigue of his opponents, who were not in their first match of the day. Anyway, the King holds the opening sequence of his future documentary.

At the same age, many players would have been overwhelmed by pressure and would not have performed at the level. LeBron James was made for big moments, he was able to realize this at just 16 years old, dominating Michael Jordan…