The Los Angeles Lakers are taking on the Houston Rockets right now in a game that will be crucial in keeping the Lakers’ playoff push alive. The 19-24 Lakers have lost to teams higher up in the standings in their last 3 outings and now have the chance to take a win in an easier matchup against the worst team in the NAB this season in the Rockets.
The Rockets have a young cast of future stars, including their 2022 first-round pick Jabari Smith Jr. Jabari is one of the most promising two-way wings in the NBA and trying to put on a show against LeBron. During a break in play, Jabari let LeBron know that James played against his dad when he debuted in 2003 for the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Sacramento Kings.
Jabari Smith Jr. tells LeBron he played against Jabari’s dad in his first-ever NBA game. 😂
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 17, 2023
Jabari Smith Sr. was a DNP Coach’s Decision that game, so he didn’t really get to play against LeBron in his debut. However, it is incredible to know that his son, who was an infant when that game was played, is going toe-to-toe with LeBron almost 20 years later.
LeBron James Racking Up Games Against Father-Son Duos
As of last season, LeBron had played against 6 father-son duos in the NBA. This list included Rick and Jalen Brunson, Gary Payton and Gary Payton II, Glen Rice and Glen rice Jr., among more. However, that list has increased by virtue of playing against the Rockets.
He played against KJ Martin again, the son of Kenyon Martin, while we have already discussed the Jabari Smith Jr. situation. This list will increase in coming years and has other names we haven’t mentioned. LeBron was almost teammates with both Shaquille O’Neal and his son, Shareef O’Neal. He played against Scottie Pippen and has been teammates with Scotty Pippen Jr.
In the upcoming years, more second-generation players will be drafted and they can all ask their fathers how it was like to play against LeBron before they try to take that challenge on their own. Incredible longevity.
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