With a career spanning over two decades in the NBA, LeBron James has earned admiration from many players in the league, including his former teammate and star player Mateen Cleaves.
During his one-year stay at the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleaves witnessed James’ skilled plays firsthand despite being a young player straight from high school. The fresh player from Akron’s exceptionality was enough to receive tons of praise and wonder from the former NCAA champion.
In the “All the Smoke” podcast, Cleaves reflected on his stay at the Cavaliers, including his experiences with LeBron James. He shared his admiration at seeing the remarkability of his rookie teammate, giving him unique handles highlighting his majestic plays on the court.
“I gave him [James] a nickname, ‘Heaven Sent’. God sent you. You don’t get that good early, right out the gate, 18 [years old], coming out of high school. I was like, ‘Nah, he can’t be that good. He gon’ be good in the league,” Cleaves said on his encounters with James.
“I’m in practice with this boy I’m like, ‘Woo!’ He was the real deal, as a baby. He knew it, he had a great feel for it. Athletic, [can] get where he want to get. He was different. I used to call him Heaven Sent, ‘God sent you dog.’ The build, athletically.”
James already proved himself to be a formidable player in his first-year stint with the Cavaliers. Playing 79 games during the 2003-04 NBA season, the King averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. His shocking players eventually gave him that season’s Rookie of the Year.
LeBron James marks the first father-son duo in NBA history
Players and fans have witnessed LeBron James’ record throughout his professional career, manifested by his numerous achievements and records. Just this offseason, the signing of James’ son, Bronny, to the Los Angeles Lakers made history as the first father-son duo in the NBA.
At the Lakers’ preseason game against the Phoenix Suns, the James duo played together on the court for the first time, gaining applause from their spectators at Acrisure Arena that time. Despite the Lakers’ loss during that particular match, many looked their eyes upon the father-son bond.
LeBron James shared his exciting reaction to playing with his son at X:
“WOW THAT WAS SURREAL!!,” James said.
WOW THAT WAS SURREAL!! 🥺🥺🥺🙌🏾🙌🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 7, 2024
Many people await and speculate as the James duo play more games together on the court. The Lakers are 1-2 in the preseason, winning in their last match against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Despite achieving a momentous milestone, James must also ensure that his dynamics with his son work together as the games come. They are still trying to prove their critics wrong, who continue to doubt the duo’s teamwork or, more particularly, Bronny’s skills.
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