LeBron James, at 37, is still performing like a superstar in his prime. The King has defined longevity throughout his career, and even at this stage, he shows no signs of slowing down.
James wants to put the missteps of the previous season behind him and focus entirely on the next season. Fans are still awaiting what lies next for him. They will, however, be able to witness James dominate the court before the new season begins, as he will partake in the Drew League on Saturday.
LeBron James is expected to play in the @DrewLeague on Saturday for the first time since 2011, a source tells @YahooSports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 16, 2022
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The Drew League is a renowned pro-am basketball league. People jam-pack high school basketball gyms to see a diverse array of skilled players compete. Hence, to call it the giant mecca of summer basketball would likely be fair. It was established in Los Angeles in 1973 and since then, countless NBA luminaries have embraced the action-packed league.
Players like Kevin Durant, Paul Pierce, Trevor Ariza, Chris Paul, John Wall, and a boatload of others have all hit the Drew League courts. Even the late great Kobe Bryant took part in 2011. He dropped 45 and sank a game-winning dagger over James Harden, sending fans into a frenzy.
Ten years ago today, Kobe Bryant played in his first game at the Drew League.
Kobe refused to leave early then hit a game winner at the buzzer 🔥
(via @KingJosiah54) pic.twitter.com/kcLl0jdFjZ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 16, 2021
Fans will now witness arguably the biggest name in basketball today compete in the Drew League.?Chicago Bulls superstar DeMar DeRozan also confirmed through his tweet that he’ll be joining James on the Drew League court.
👑xDbo
Drew league tomorrow
👀— DeMar DeRozan (@DeMar_DeRozan) July 16, 2022
Because the Drew League is played in Los Angeles, the gym is set to be crammed with Los Angeles Lakers?fans itching to see The King compete.
The NBA world goes crazy after learning that LeBron James will play in the Drew League
The NBA world has gone nuts after finding out that LeBron James would make a rare appearance in the Drew League.
Guaranteed madness.
Love that Bron is pulling up. The @DrewLeague is one of the great hoop atmospheres in the country.
Might be his unofficial game debut of the LeBron 20? https://t.co/pNC2kzAKs0
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) July 16, 2022
Oh shiiiii
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) July 16, 2022
https://twitter.com/Kayla60970879/status/1548188680866566144
Super dope
— KPJ (@KevinParrishJr) July 16, 2022
This is why Lebron James is the greatest player of all time
— NBA Shane (@Shane00) July 16, 2022
I cannot believe this tweet made me literally smile
— suns fan (@sunz2023champz) July 16, 2022
Nice. We need this man, show out Bron, it has been dry for too long
— Rishabh (@CNation213) July 16, 2022
Sold out already too
— The Pettiest Laker Fan 🤫 (@ThePettiestLA) July 16, 2022
James will return to the Drew League court for the first time since 2011
LeBron James will hit the Drew League court for the first time since 2011. That year, the NBA star made his Drew League debut, and fair to say, he put on a show.
Because of the NBA lockout, NBA players were denied access to team training facilities and personnel throughout the summer of 2011. This forced these players to focus on pro-am leagues to stay in shape. Kevin Durant was the first of the bunch to turn his attention to the Drew League.
KD DOMINATED the Drew League 🤫 @KDTrey5 (via @Hoopmixtape) pic.twitter.com/0vxcOwlY6T
— SLAM Rewind (@SLAMRewind) March 15, 2020
James joined a few weeks later and put his skills into action against the defending Drew League champions, LAUNFD.
WATCH THIS STORY: Looking back at Shaquille O?Neal and Dennis Rodman?s most heated face-offs
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Dino Smiley, the Drew League’s commissioner, had no clue that LeBron James would be playing that day. However, former NBA star Baron Davis broke the news to him. The gathering in the gym erupted as they heard the news. And what followed was a masterclass by LeBron James.
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He finished with 33 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists in his Drew League debut. And now, 11 years later, the NBA world will once again witness LeBron James take over the biggest pro-am summer basketball event.