King James marked his return a few days ago against the San Antonio Spurs after sitting out 2 games, leading the Lakers to win 123-118 over the Spurs. But that’s not what we are concerned about. It was a historic night for another reason.

It was the 4th quarter of the showdown between the San Antonio Spurs and the LA Lakers and with just 10:42 remaining, a fellow St. Vincent–St. Mary’s High School alum, Malaki Branham, soared for a dunk over LeBron James. While the King stands tall on the Lakers’ side, Branham, the young Spurs guard, made his mark with a memorable dunk over his high school idol. In his two seasons with San Antonio, the 20-year-old averages 9.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 118 regular-season games.

Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Malaki Branham’s basketball journey began early. His talent led him to St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, James’ old school. Malaki Branham wasn’t the most sought-after recruit, ranking 35th in his high school class of 2021. Yet, he defied expectations by choosing Ohio State over offers from others like Alabama, Baylor, and Xavier. His lone season with the Buckeyes was a declaration of his balling prowess, as he started in all but one game and averaged 13.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per contest. This performance earned him Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Third Team All-Big Ten honors.

Branham’s leadership and scoring prowess aren’t new developments. He led his high school team to two state championships in 2018 and 2021, earning first-team All-Ohio honors both times. As a senior, his scoring average reached an impressive 21.3 points per game, along with 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.8 steals. This well-rounded skillset caught the attention of NBA scouts, and when Branham declared for the draft, The Sporting News’ Kyle Irving even listed him as a potential “sleeper.”

The San Antonio Spurs saw the potential too, picking Branham as the 20th overall pick in the 2022 draft. In his rookie season, Branham averaged 10.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, shooting 44.0% from the field, 30.2% from three-point range, and a remarkable 82.9% from the free-throw line. While these numbers paint a picture of a solid rookie campaign, they don’t paint the full story. Young Malaki’s smooth shooting stroke, drives, and defensive hustle are often game-changers for the Spurs.

Is Rookie Malaki Branham the future against Veteran James and the Lakers?

For those who remember the 90s and early 2000s, it was a spectacle laid in purple and gold against a silver and black counterpoint. The rivalry between the LA Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs ran deep. Seven playoff showdowns, seven straight Finals appearances from 1999 to 2005, each championship trophy from that period held by either team. It was a dance of dynasties.

Time, however, changed the narrative. LeBron James, the 39-year-old legend, still steers the Lakers’ ship (30-27) sitting at the 9th spot in the Western Conference. On the other hand, the Spurs (11-45) stand at a crossroads while sitting in last place in the Western Conference. Their record is a far cry from their championship days, but a lot of young talent is being cooked up in the Spurs camp.

Young Malaki Branham, LeBron’s St. Vincent-St. Mary alum, averages 9.3 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. He, along with rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama, who bagged 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists in the game against the Lakers, might transcend the Spurs into better standings next season.

Both teams have something to prove. The Lakers, hungry for another ring, must improve their defense alongside maximizing LeBron’s remaining years. The Spurs, on the other hand, are on a rebuilding journey, hoping their young core, particularly Branham and Wembanyama, can push them back to the playoffs. Will young Malaki be able to channel some of that St. Vincent-St. Mary “Mr. Basketball” energy consistently? Guess we’ll just have to find out!

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