Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: LeBron James Reflects On His Iconic Pickup Game With Michael Jordan: “I Was Unguardable…”
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > LeBron James Reflects On His Iconic Pickup Game With Michael Jordan: “I Was Unguardable…”

LeBron James Reflects On His Iconic Pickup Game With Michael Jordan: “I Was Unguardable…”

LeBron James remembers how he dominated NBA veterans as a 16-year old teenager.

Nico Martinez
Jan 15, 2025
4 Min Read
Share

Credit: Fadeaway World

In a guest appearance on the ‘New Heights’ podcast, LeBron James finally shared the details of his infamous game with Michael Jordan as a young teenager in High School. First, Michael went on to explain how difficult it was for him to get any playing time alongside some of the game’s top legends.

“MJ [Michael Jordan], Antoine Walker, and the rest of those guys did not let young guys get on the court at all,” James told Travis and Jason Kelce. “I was 16 years old, a Sophomore in High School, and it takes a while to get on the court. It’s usually when the older guys get tired and they don’t want to play anymore. But I did and I was able to get on the court with Antoine Walker, Penny Hardaway, Ron Artest, Michael Finley, all these guys.”

This was at a time before LeBron’s 21-year NBA track record and nobody had any idea back then how great his legacy would become. As James explained, however, he gave them a proper taste of his talent as he obliterated his NBA opponents on the court and gave the veterans a true shock.

“I was unguardable, said James. “When I finally got out there, I was like, ‘I’m busting ass.’ I was nervous. I was nervous as hell, being out there with MJ and the rest of those guys. But I was like, ‘Oh, I’m about to go crazy.’ And I did, I did.”

The event happened during one of Michael Jordan’s mini-camps in California when James was still just a 16-year-old prospect. According to James, he had to wait hours just to get a chance on the court because of all of the NBA stars in attendance. Once he finally did get in, his play earned the attention of Ron Artest, who cracked his rib trying to slow him down.

By the end of it, however, LeBron and Jordan went undefeated in an impressive display of power and dominance. As Jordan was phasing out, and LeBron was preparing to enter the NBA spotlight, we saw the passing of the torch in real time and it wasn’t long after this game when LeBron took up the mantle as the new face of basketball.

In the infamous game, Michael also reportedly stated “that’s why they pay me $33M to do this” after hitting a game-winner to beat Antoine Walker’s team. James was not only a witness to this, he was actively part of it as he and His Airness put on a show on the court.

Today, it’s not considered likely that we’ll ever see LeBron and Jordan on the court again but they are still always connected as two pillars of the game and the leaders of the GOAT conversation. At 40 years old, LeBron has come a long way since that 16-year-old kid who couldn’t get playing time in a pickup game but he’s not done yet.

This season, with averages of 23.7 points, 8.8 assists, and 7.6 rebounds per game on 50.9% shooting, LeBron is stealing the show just like he did alongside Michael and the other NBA legends all those years ago. Now, it’s James who would be calling the shots in those exclusive games as the longest-tenured and most accomplished star in the league.

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:LeBron JamesMichael Jordan
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByNico Martinez
Follow:
Nico Martinez is a veteran staff writer for Fadeaway World from Brooklyn, New York. He joined Fadeaway World in 2016 and is currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina. Nico holds a degree in Sports Management from Columbia International University where he built a strong foundation in the inner workings of sports media and management. Nico's contributions have significantly enhanced the credibility and depth of Fadeaway World's content, earning him recognition across the sports journalism community. His work has been discussed in prestigious publications like Sports Illustrated. A dedicated follower of LeBron James, Nico often leads coverage on news related to the basketball star. With nearly a decade of experience in sports journalism, Nico consistently provides comprehensive and timely basketball news, engaging a wide audience of basketball enthusiasts.Nico's most desired player to interview, past or present, is Kevin Durant. He is particularly keen on asking Durant if he has any regrets about his career, especially concerning his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and why he engages so much with fans on social media. 
Previous Article LeBron James On How His Mom’s Advice Made Him Reject $10 Million Offer From Reebok
Next Article Phoenix Suns Acquire Nick Richards And A Second Round Pick In Trade With The Charlotte Hornets
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Minnesota Timberwolves News & Analysis

Anthony Edwards Gets Real On Putting “Belt To A**” On Elite Players Like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Stephen Curry

October 3, 2025
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Steve Kerr Took A Page From Phil Jackson’s Book To Avoid Contract Distractions During Warriors’ Season

October 3, 2025
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Seth Curry Admits He Didn’t Want To Team Up With Stephen Curry Until Now

October 3, 2025
Sep 29, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets player Nikola Jokic (15) takes questions during media day at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Denver Nuggets News & Analysis

Nikola Jokic Remains Loyal To The Nuggets Despite Not Signing An Extension This Summer

October 3, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?