NBA Champion Reveals Truth About 15YO LeBron James, Amid ‘Overrated’ Claims from Own Family Member

Back in 2003, the kid from Akron was one of the most anticipated players to step foot on the NBA hardwood. LeBron James made a lot of noise in high school, as the Chosen One took his talents to the NBA right after. His adventures in High School, on the other hand, weren’t less captivating than that of a college basketball superstar. ESPN even televised his high school basketball games. There were times when certain critics would claim that the teenager was overrated. Such was a close relative of a former NBA champion.

During one of the episodes of the Club Shay Shay podcast, Shannon Sharpe reminded Trevor Ariza of his uncle’s statements. “Your uncle said that Bron was overrated and I guess somebody told me that.“, said Sharpe. Ariza and James faced off in high school after his uncle went off on the rising star, claiming Ariza to be better than LeBron. However, things did not go as expected as 18-year-old LeBron James dropped 52 points on Ariza’s squad.

The same game aired on national television with the whole nation witnessing the future superstar. Looking back at his high school career, it is intriguing to wonder how special he has been since his teenage years. “That’s what he did, you know. He was that special. So, you know, you can’t take nothing away from what he did.”, added Ariza.

To give a true perspective of James’ dominance, he was drafted 1st overall among players who were far more experienced and older than him. Coming into the league, James had already showcased his greatness when he was 15. From then on, his game only skyrocketed.

LeBron James was NBA ready at 15

There has never been a player who received as much hype as James before their debut. At 15, LeBron was drawing the attention of NBA players who after witnessing him knew what talent was about to enter the league. “No for real though, like, Bron has been, probably the best player since 15.“, said Ariza on the Run Your Pace podcast. The story gets more interesting when we get to know that James faced Michael Jordan in a scrimmage when he was 15.

Former NBA champion, Ron Artest described how 15-year-old James was a problem. LeBron was a gifted scorer and the most skilled athlete of his age. Artest was motivated after watching young James play. He knew that not more than three years later would he make his debut in the league. Drawing such attention before turning 18 was a big deal at the time. Compared to modern-day prospects who get a lot of engagement through social media, it wasn’t the same for James.

James has always been better than most NBA players, every season he has played. As the King likes to elaborate, he believes himself to be better than 90% of the league, and rightfully so. The only player who has ever come close to such hype is Victor Wembanyama. It will be interesting to see how the Frenchman maintains his weight in the league moving forward. What are your thoughts on James’ fame among big-time players at just 15? Let us know in the comments.

But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese.