An encounter with Jay-Z can leave a lasting impression, especially if you’re a high school basketball prodigy on the rise. Lou Williams, the 3× NBA Sixth Man of the Year, recently took a trip down memory lane, recalling an unforgettable night that still stands out in his career. The one where he got a chance to meet with the iconic rapper. Williams, then just a teenager, was in for an unexpected promise from Jay-Z, a promise that, to this day, remains unfulfilled.

In a recent episode of ‘The Underground Lounge’ podcast, hosted by Jamal Crawford and featuring Ride Along actor Spank Horton, Williams recounted this memorable encounter. As the conversation veered towards Jay-Z, Williams revealed how LeBron James introduced him to the rapper. Jay-Z, known for his larger-than-life persona, challenged the young Williams in a way only he could. “Man, if you ever average 30 points this year and win the state championship, I’ll give you a Rockefeller chain,” Jay-Z promised.

Results? Williams kept up his end of the bargain. He says he averaged 37 and won the state championship. But Jay-Z, “I ain’t see Jay-Z for 15 years,” Williams reveals. The room erupted in laughter. However, finding the positives, Horton states, “That’s a hell of a motivation.” 

Well, Lou Williams may still have an opportunity to remind the rapper of his promise if LeBron and him are as close as they were at age 16. Jay-Z frequently is seen supporting the Lakers’ star and even made an appearance on The Shop together. But if that falls through, Williams is still grateful for the motivation.

Lou Williams shares his gratitude

Lou Williams initially committed to playing at the University of Georgia, but his plans took a sharp turn after a memorable encounter with Jay-Z. This pivotal moment influenced his decision to declare for the 2005 NBA Draft, where he was selected 45th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Reflecting on his decision in a previous appearance on The Starting Five podcast, Williams said, “I went to school the next day. And I was looking around the class, like, ‘I’m nothing like none of y’all… I literally can’t do it, I don’t think that’s going to be the path for me. So, I start preparing myself like I’m going to the NBA.”

He did enter the NBA the next year and did so as the Georgia high school’s all-time leading scorer. In the 17 years that followed, Williams would go on to win the Sixth Man of the Year award thrice and finish his career with an average of 13.9 points and 3.2 assists per game. But Jay-Z isn’t the only one he thanks.

In another podcast, ‘From the Point,’ Williams expressed his gratitude to LeBron James for facilitating the life-changing encounter with Jay-Z. “The whole set-up was cool for me as a high school kid because I met Jay-Z through LeBron,” Williams shared. He also recounted spending 2.5 to 3 hours with the iconic rapper, an experience made possible thanks to LeBron.

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”