Due to its constant coverage, it is hard for an NBA player to not have an unfavorable clip of themselves. Whether it be bonafide legends like Michael Jordan or their current-day counterpart in LeBron James. More than a quarter of a century after?The Allen Iverson Crossover became iconic courtesy of MJ, LBJ fell victim to the same move.
It wasn’t Michael making the move that got the media’s attention. Instead, it was a young stud by the name of Allen Iverson crossing up Jordan that got the nation talking. Now, it seems like LeBron James is joining the same party.
LeBron James draws comparison to Michael Jordan (But he might not like it)
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The NBA season finally tipping off is an exciting day for all fans. While the game they love returning is already an exciting proposition, so is the excellent scheduling pitting genuine contenders against each other. After last year’s grueling and down-the-wire playoff series between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers, a rematch was a necessity.
Through one half, the game hasn’t been a disappointment. At break-neck speed, the two teams have been in an instant classic. While the Nuggets jumped to an early lead courtesy of reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic, the Lakers are mounting a comeback. At half-time, the margin is just 9 points.
However, early in the Nuggets’ first-quarter dominance, a moment drew some Michael Jordan comparisons. But, it wasn’t in a favoring light of one King James. As the 4-time MVP tripped on his own feet and fell to the mercy of Reggie Jackson, the scene was instantly iconic. Even commentary team Reggie Miller had to remark, “That’s gonna be on Sportscenter all day.”?
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But, one fan saw a memory lane open up for them at the scene. The image brought back memories of Michael Jordan and the iconic AI crossover and the fan was quick to point to it.
Lo que va a robar Reggie Jackson con esto, eh.
En un par de años, les va a hacer creer a sus nietos que fue más que el crossover de Allen Iverson a Michael Jordan. pic.twitter.com/Rg0oUlxRbr
— Leandro Carranza (@leocarranza99) October 25, 2023
While the fame this LeBron James moment achieves remains to be seen, the Jordan clip remains among the most iconic in NBA history.
The Crossover
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By the time Iverson came into the league, Mike was firmly at the top of the pyramid. Whether it was individual or team success, Michael was the epicenter of it all. More than a decade on from Larry Bird calling him a ‘god’, the hyperbole was as close to reality as it could get.
But, the NBA was quickly finding a new fan favorite. Due to his upbringing and the culture he brought with him, AI was a phenomenon before entering the league. Once he got in, though, the hype was unreal. Due to his wizard-esque dribbling skills and innate charisma, he was instantly beloved.
Then came the clash of the two worlds. On March 12, 1997, the two behemoths, at different points in their careers, squared off against one another. However, there is one moment that remains etched in time. As a rookie, Iverson would cross over the legendary Michael Jordan, leaving him perplexed, missing his man completely as AI rose up to calmly drain the jumper.
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A moment was born. And a rookie, giving him comeuppance, had one on his idol.