“Like Hurricane Coming”: Unaware of LeBron James, 3x NBA All-Star Received a Stern Warning About the ‘High School Kid’ From His Father

The 2003 NBA Draft marked one of the most historic moments in the league’s history. The Cleveland Cavaliers had the privilege of drafting the most hyped high school prospect coming into the draft. This marked the arrival of LeBron James as The Chosen One into the league. While the entire NBA took notice of this moment, a 3-time All-Star seemed to be in the dark.

LeBron James burst into the scene in the most dramatic ways possible. The young James already drew comparisons to some of the greatest players to ever play the game. This unprecedented hype ensured that the league took notice of The King’s arrival. However, the 3-time All-Star seemed unbothered until his father gave him a stern warning.

LeBron James has 3x All-Star’s father issuing warnings

LeBron James seemed like a polished NBA player before even entering the league. In fact, he had such unbelievable skills that he became the most hyped prospect to ever enter the draft. However, he did not strike fear among the players until he set foot on the NBA court. Although seems like 3-time All-Star Gilbert Arenas’ father knew about James’ potential before he even came into the league.

Gilbert Arenas had just bagged the Most Improved Player award the season before The King entered the league. After a shocking trade that sent him to the Washington Wizards, the star point guard seemed determined to prove his worth. However, despite his stature, his father felt Arenas needed to be worried about James’ arrival.

“When you said nobody knew LeBron was coming? My dad did,” said Arenas on his podcast.“He said what you doing? I said I just finished working out. He said you might as well get back in the gym. There’s a kid in high school by the name of LeBron James like a hurricane coming, get ready.”

Arenas mentioned how his father warned the 3-time All-Star about James arrival in the league. To his credit, the current Los Angeles Lakers forward truly did not make it easy to overlook him at the time. From gracing magazine covers to having his high school games telecasted on national television, The Kid From Akron received attention like none other.

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Over the years, James proved that the warning Arenas received is completely justified. However, Arenas too never backed down against The King in his career.

James and Arenas shared a fierce rivalry

LeBron James and Gilbert Arenas’ rivalry may not be most popular ones in the NBA, but their intensity during games prompted a fierce faceoff between the two back in the day.

In his career of over 20 years, James has maintained a winning record against every team in the league. However, Gilbert Arenas individually challenged this record, having a 15-14 winning record against The King. Although the 4-time MVP has a better playoff record against Arenas, the regular season triumph of the 3-time All-Star cannot be overlooked. They also shared an iconic moment during their matchup in the playoffs in 2006.

LeBron James faced off against “Agent Zero” in a gritty first round matchup as a mere 21-year-old. Although the Cavaliers emerged victorious in six games, Arenas had a shot at pushing the series to a Game 7 by making two free throws late in Game 6. However, LeBron James played mind games with the Wizards guard, muttering inaudibly, which led to Arenas missing both free throws. This delivered the Cavaliers a win and an entry to the second round of the playoffs.

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Although James has had several fierce rivalries in his career, the one he shared with Arenas is second to none.