‘Egos wouldn’t allow it’ – LeBron’s teammates doubted him after 2003 NBA Draft but ‘The King’ had last laugh
LeBron James turned 40 this week.
The NBA's all-time leading scorer has waged a one-man war on Father Time in recent years, but even kings are mortal and there's only so long LeBron can rage against the dying of the light.
James is well into his 22nd season in the NBA, a record that ties him with Hall of Famer Vince Carter, and speculation continues to swirl about when he will call it a day.
James said in his most recent media availability - on the day of his December 30 birthday - that he has thought increasingly about retirement, despite admitting he could "play at a high level probably for about another...five to seven years."
The four-time NBA champion, and only player other than Michael Jordan who can lay claim to being the basketball GOAT, reflected on his journey and remarkable longevity.
"You came in as an 18-year-old kid and now you're sitting here as a 40-year-old, 22-year vet with a 20-year-old in the NBA, as well," James .
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"So, it's pretty cool."
Back in 2002, LeBron was the most hyped prospect in the history of basketball.
The 18-year-old came straight out of St.Vincent - St. Mary High School, skipped college, and was Sports Illustrated's 'Chosen One' ahead of the 2003 NBA Draft.
James was eventually selected No. 1 overall by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, but not everyone was convinced about him being the heir apparent to 'Air Jordan'.
Several Cavs teammates expressed their doubts in TV interviews about a teenager jumping straight from high school to the pros.
"We won 35 games that year because of him. He's had some outstanding seasons since then, but that first one may have been the most impressive because of how he excelled in spite of the jealousy on his own team."
James went on to play 39.5 minutes per night while averaging 20.9 points his rookie season, although that would still prove to be a career low.
Multiple MVPs, Finals MVPs, and championships soon followed, but LeBron never forgot about his own teammates doubting him.
In 2017, James reposted the video on Instagram with a lengthy message about fighting off haters and working hard so that you can have the last laugh.
"So just imagine how hard is to fight off the naysayers, doubters, haters that u never see but u know they talking crazy behind tv screens, computers, phones, tablets," he posted on.
"Then imagine fighting off naysayers, doubters, haters that u would think have your back and u see them everyday! Keep the grass cut, so u can see em when they coming. Then u heat they a** up. Cause they cats that u went to play with, will catch you in your new whip and your brains into cool-whip(Kiss said it best)! So basically no matter what u do just keep the blinders on at all times, work hard, push forward and I promise you’ll have the last [laugh]".
James revisited the infamous footage again in early 2024.
When Mind the Game Pod co-host -- and now Lakers head coach -- JJ Redick asked James if he had to deal with people who weren't celebrating him and "wanted to kick your a**" during his rookie season, James , "My teammates for sure."
"There's video evidence of my teammates basically saying, like, 'He's not ready,' or, 'There's somebody playing his position,' or, 'We're not putting all our faith in an 18-year-old kid,'" James said.
"Teammates that I had to be on the floor with, practising with, on the planes with, in the locker room, in game situations, had this kind of—you don't want to say hate, but had this kind of animosity towards me, and what I could provide."
James continued: "I came in with the narrative, but I didn't come in with that type of aura. I just wanted to come in and learn from the vets and then put the work in."
LeBron ultimately proved the doubters wrong, surpassing all expectations that were placed on him as an 18-year-old kid.
James continues to impress at age 40, averaging 23.5 points, 9.0 assists, and 7.9 rebounds for a Lakers team who are currently just 1.5 games out of the No. 4 spot in the Western Conference.
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Rather poetically, LeBron and the Lakers face the Cavaliers on New Year's Eve in LA.
When he takes to the hardwood, LeBron will become just the 32nd player to appear in an NBA game in his 40s -- a testament to his exceptional talent and longevity, and a gentle reminder to Boozer and Miles that they were way wide of the mark all those years ago.