Shaquille O’Neal on Shockingly Seeing Himself in a Young LeBron James: “I Don’t See Nobody Dominate High School Like That Since Me”

LeBron James is arguably the greatest player ever to be a part of the NBA. James came into the league as a high school kid and has taken over the league since then. He has been the face of the league since his debut and he is still going strong in year 19. LeBron was rightfully named in the NBA 75th anniversary team featuring the best players in NBA History.

The NBA has released videos honoring each and every player in the top 75 team. LeBron James was the latest player to receive this as various legends and players told their stories about LeBron. One of them was his former teammate and legend, Shaquille O’Neal.

Shaq revealed that the first time he heard about Bron was from his friends. He says he was taken aback when he heard an 18-year-old was on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

He adds, ” We pulled into the gym in Cleveland, and it’s packed. And I see this kid. I don’t see nobody dominate high school like that since me. This kid can go pro right now.”

LeBron James and his journey so far

There has not been a high school kid who has had more weight on his shoulder than LeBron James. LeBron was drafted Number 1 overall in the 2003 NBA draft by his hometown team, Cleveland Cavaliers. He single-handedly changed the fate of the franchise in a few years.

It quickly became apparent that LeBron was in a class of his own. LeBron led the Cavs to the 2007 NBA finals in only his fourth year, with no star player by his side. He later would go on to win the 2009 and 2010 MVP awards, but he was unable to get that coveted championship to Cleveland.

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In 2011, LeBron would take his talents to South Beach to join the Miami Heat. He formed a Big 3 with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Bron would go on to win his first championship in 2012, and he followed it up with another title in 2013.

He would also add couple more MVP awards to his resume. Bron reached four finals in his four years in Miami. Later in 2014, he returned to Cleveland Cavaliers to end the city’s 50-year drought for a trophy. He would accomplish that in 2016 when LeBron and the Cavs came back from a 3-1 deficit against the Warriors.

In 2018, LeBron joined the Los Angeles Lakers as an unrestricted free agent. However, he missed the playoffs for the first time since his sophomore year. Nevertheless, the Lakers won the championship the following year and LeBron won his fourth ring.

There has never been a player like LeBron James in NBA history. His combination of athleticism, power, skills, basketball IQ, durability has made him the defining player of this generation. He has single-handedly changed the NBA in numerous ways and he doesn’t seem to be finished. The man is currently playing in his 19th year and he is showing no signs of slowing down.

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