Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson were something to behold during their NFL playing days. It is unknown how often their paths crossed then. Now, they lock horns on an intellectual level on their show Nightcap regularly. The fans love every second of it. Moreover, not every discussion they have centered on the sport they had in common for a long time.

One such exchange featured a startling revelation. Chad Johnson claimed he once beat NBA superstar LeBron James 1V1. James was with the Miami Heat at the time. The tale of Johnson’s win evoked not the reaction he expected from partner-in-crime Shannon Sharpe. Johnson, who sported shades for almost the entire conversation, took them off so Sharpe could look into his eyes. Sharpe then mentioned the Eagles’ song Lyin’ Eyes to register his disbelief.

Chad Johnson too quick for a young LeBron James

Chad Johnson insisted he beat James 21-17. Apparently, the contest was part of a wager to see who could get their hands on $1,000. Johnson added he won James’ admiration on the court, particularly for his agility. He noted he loved soccer more, which put paid to the possibility of a professional career in basketball. 

As Johnson put it, “Trust me. I lie for you before I lie to you, man. I beat him 21-17 for $1,000. I’m like that on the court. He didn’t know that until we played. He was, like, godd**n, Ocho, you quick as h**l. I caught him off the dribble and he fell. And I just chose not to play basketball, I like soccer.”

Shannon Sharpe stood fast and did not give an inch. He insisted Johnson was born to play just one sport. The latter listed soccer, then basketball, as the other sports he played well. Sharpe countered Johnson had not seen a soccer ball until college. As he put it, Johnson was “born in Liberty City.” Soccer does not get many takers there, per Sharpe.

Shannon Sharpe skeptical of Chad Johnson’s basketball claim

Chad Johnson is a known soccer fan, something his wife can attest to. Simultaneously, he claimed he had the skills to pay the bills on the basketball court. He said, “I ain’t trying to name-drop or nothing. Ask Carmelo, ask D. Wade, and ask Westbrook what I did to ‘em playing 1V1 when they was prepping for the season. They came to me to get ready for the season.”

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As Shannon Sharpe continued to show skepticism, Johnson made a different claim. Having mentioned a few other NBA stars he had beaten 1v1, he posited he was good enough to sit on the bench at the Kaseya Center. Johnson added, “I could do them boys in. I could come off the bench for the Heat right now. Sixth man of the year. Age ain’t nothing but a number, man.” Unable to resist the parting shot, Sharpe replied, “And your number is old.”

While on the show they host together, Chad Johnson claimed to have beaten a much younger LeBron James 1v1. Shannon Sharpe would have none of it. Johnson revealed more details surrounding the contest but Sharpe would not be convinced. The former then revealed he had beaten other established NBA stars, too.

He added he could, at his advanced age, still do a good job coming off the bench for a known NBA team. Sharpe then dealt a parting shot that was a staple of their banter on the show. It remains to be seen whether the aforementioned NBA stars back up Johnson’s story or the tale was taller than the tallest of the lot.

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