Los Angeles Lakers icon LeBron James was a phenom during his high school days. He was so good that by the end of his junior year, the then 17-year-old James started appearing on the covers of Sports Illustrated and ESPN. In light of this, a Boston Celtics legend recently disclosed his mind was blown after everyone said how ‘King James’ could have been ‘starting’ the 2002 All-Star game as a high school student.
The player was none other than Paul Pierce. Almost two decades ago, the 2008 NBA champion was unable to believe the hype around the four-time NBA champion.
Paul Pierce shared his initial thoughts on LeBron James
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In one of the recent episodes of ‘Ticket & The Truth’, Pierce explained to Kevin Garnett how a 17-year-old James blew his mind. “I remember being in my first All-Star game in Philly. We’re in the locker room and we talking to reporters and it was like, ‘Man have y’all heard of this kid [James]? He’s so good he could probably start in this All-Star game,’ and I was like, ‘What?'”
The 10-time All-Star was baffled after hearing the statement about LeBron James. He explained that he couldn’t believe how everyone said James could have started in the 2002 All-Star against the likes of Allen Iverson, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal, among others.
The 2008 NBA champion continued, “I saw a lot of NBA guys was going out flying out to see this play. Celebrities, rappers, Jay-Z and all them going out to see him play. So I’m like, ‘Man this kid must be nice but I don’t think he that good… “
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Following this, the 45-year-old explained that he was initially unable to believe all the hype around ‘King James’. However, eventually, even he understood his greatness. In light of this, Pierce even stated it was certainly “tough”?to live up to the expectations and probably surpass them.
How good was LeBron in high school?
James played basketball for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School and perhaps had the most incredible high school career. A career so good that even ESPN 2 aired some of his basketball games. The new all-time NBA scoring leader wrapped up his high school career averaging 25.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. His high school career best of 52 points came against Los Angeles’ Westchester High.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this story- ?Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Joel Embiid-Stars that lit up NBA All-Star weekend in 2022?
What are your thoughts on the remarks of Paul Pierce about LeBron James? Let us know in the comments below.