Knicks vs Lakers: 9YO Jalen Brunson Sharing Moment With Cavs’ LeBron James Goes Viral Ahead of 2024 ASG

The New York Knicks have been unstoppable recently. They have won their last 9 games and risen to the 3rd spot in the Eastern Conference standings. A major reason for the Knicks’ success has been the leadership and performance of Jalen Brunson. The 27-year-old has played like a superstar all season and finally got his career’s first All-Star nod on Thursday.

Tonight, the first-time All-Star Jalen Brunson will go head-to-head against the highly experienced LeBron James as the Knicks take on the Lakers at MSG. However, a nostalgic moment between 9-year-old Jalen Brunson and Cavs’ LeBron James from the 2006 All-Star Weekend is making the rounds on social media ahead of the 2024 All-Star game. After Brunson made the All-Star Reserves list, fans dug up the past and found an old picture of Brunson as a child getting his fanboy moment with King James when he was still on the Cavs roster. The Knicks superstar was only 9 years old at the time and was wearing a Houston Rockets jersey in the picture.

Not many would have thought that 18 years after the picture was taken, Brunson would face LeBron in the 2024 All-Star game. That is a testament to Brunson’s hard work and dedication as well as LeBron’s longevity in the NBA. This year will be LeBron’s 20th All-Star game, the most by any player in NBA history. The only season King James missed the All-Star game was in his rookie year in 2003. He has dominated the league for the past two decades and continues to stay at the top of his game, even at age 39.

Read More: Tears in Jalen Brunson’s Eyes Turn Charles Barkley & His TNT Brothers Emotional on Live TV: “I Have Not Seen”

Jalen Brunson’s journey to the 2024 All-Star game

While LeBron James has built a Hall of Fame resume in the last 21 years and become an automatic selection for every All-Star game, Jalen Brunson has worked extremely hard to get his first selection this year. In just two seasons, Brunson has become the leader and face of the New York Knicks franchise. He was a second option in Dallas, playing alongside a superstar like Luka Doncic. However, Brunson did not shy away from the opportunity to become a superstar when he got the chance.

Many believed Brunson should have made the All-Star team last season as he led the Knicks to their first playoff series win since 2013. He elevated his game even more this season and did not let any doubt creep into the voters’ minds. Brunson is averaging 27.1 points, 6.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds this season. It has been a long road for Jalen Brunson, and he can finally face his idol, LeBron James, at one of the biggest events in the NBA.

Watch This Story: LeBron James Celebrates Browns’ Myles Garret’s All-Pro Nomination With a 3-Word Message