LeBron James has dominated the NBA for so long that fans started debating which version of him was the most unstoppable. Some argue it’s 2018, when he carried the Cleveland Cavaliers on his back, while others, like Tim Hardaway Jr., pick 2012 as his peak. But for his father, Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway Sr., the most memorable LeBron moment came much earlier. It wasn’t the polished, championship-winning superstar we know now, but a teenage prodigy—just 16 or 17 years old—who left a lasting impression on the veteran guard.

Tim Hardaway Sr. recently shared this incredible story on the All the Smoke podcast. Reflecting on his own career and run-ins with future legends, he recounted how he first met a young LeBron. Hardaway, then 36 and a 5x NBA All-Star, was playing pickup games at Tim Grover’s famed gym, Hoops. He had no idea who LeBron was at the time. “We playing at Hoops, what Tim Grover used to have, and um I ain’t know Bron at the time,” Hardaway said, recalling LeBron had just gotten out of an injury and was still shaking off the rust from a cast.

At first, Hardaway didn’t think much of the young player, assuming he was just another kid trying to find his way. But that perception quickly changed when LeBron got his chance on a fast break. “We playing and he just regular, he ain’t showing nobody nothing,” Hardaway began. But then it happened.

“He was coming on a fast break and I faked like I was going to go to him but I went over here it was like a three on two I faked. That motherf**ker just took off about 16, 17, that motherf**ker just took off from the free throw line,” Hardaway said on the podcast. While LeBron missed the shot, Hardaway was left stunned at how high the teenager had soared.

The reaction from everyone on the court? Pure disbelief. Hardaway described it like a scene from a cartoon, with everyone frozen, jaws dropped. He’s not the only one in the family who marvels at the King.

Hardaway’s son, Tim Hardaway Jr., was also in awe of LeBron’s athleticism during his time with the Miami Heat. Reflecting on LeBron’s prime, Hardaway Jr. confidently picked 2012: “When Bron was catching lob after lob, when he was dunking the ball and the d*** net was coming in and out after every dunk? I’m picking 2012 Bron.” And he wasn’t wrong.

The 2011-12 LeBron was on a tear. With averages of 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, LeBron led the Miami Heat to a 46-20 record, won his third MVP, and most importantly, claimed his first NBA championship. However, Hardaway Sr. feels one player can definitely achieve more than the 4x champ.

Tim Hardaway Sr. picked Mavs star over LeBron James

When it comes to Luka Doncic, nothing really shocks us anymore. The Dallas Mavericks star has a knack for dismantling any defense thrown at him, and his only real enemy seems to be fatigue from carrying the team on his shoulders. Interestingly, despite growing up idolizing LeBron James and even modeling his game after the 4x NBA Champion, Doncic is now seen by Tim Hardaway Sr. as potentially eclipsing LeBron’s early career trajectory.

Back in 2022, Tim Hardaway Sr. shared his thoughts in an interview with Sports Lens, where he compared Doncic’s early years to LeBron’s. He didn’t hold back. “I will take Luka at 23,” Hardaway said when asked who he thought was better at that age. He noted Doncic’s early start in professional basketball, playing against grown men since he was 16. “LeBron just started playing against grown men at 18. Then he had to figure it out. That took him about 3 years.”

Moreover, Hardaway Sr. emphasized how Doncic’s game is already more refined, especially with his jump shot. “What Luka is doing now, his jump shot… Yeah, I think that he’s doing it better than what LeBron was doing,” he continued, comparing their skills at the same age. It’s clear Hardaway Sr. sees something special in Doncic, something even LeBron couldn’t match in his early years. So, is Doncic truly on a path to surpassing LeBron, or is it too soon to tell?