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Reading: Lanny Smith Opens Up On How Tough It Was Facing LeBron James In The 7th Grade
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Home > NBA News & Media > Lanny Smith Opens Up On How Tough It Was Facing LeBron James In The 7th Grade

Lanny Smith Opens Up On How Tough It Was Facing LeBron James In The 7th Grade

Lanny Smith shares his unforgettable experience facing a young LeBron James in seventh grade, revealing early signs of the future legend's unparalleled talent and athleticism.

Vishwesha Kumar
Sep 3, 2024
4 Min Read
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Credit: Fadeaway World

Former professional basketball player Lanny Smith recently opened up about his unforgettable experience facing a young LeBron James in the seventh grade during an appearance on the ‘Ur. Perspectives’ podcast. Reflecting on the first time he played against LeBron at the AAU Nationals, Smith provided a glimpse into what it was like to face a future basketball legend long before he became a household name.

“First time playing against LeBron was in the seventh grade at AAU Nationals. I got that game on tape. So it’s always been funny to me when I’ve heard the outside noise on LeBron early in his career, everybody was wanting him to be like Kobe and be like Jordan.” 

“I was like, y’all don’t understand, this dude was a point guard. That’s who I was matched up against. But he was a point guard who could jump out the gym. So on the tape, you see him diming out, but then you also see him getting all this over the rim in the seventh grade, right?”

“Funny story, we checking in the hotel for AAU Nationals. LeBron and his team is standing outside the hotel, and Bron had grown five or six inches. Big Perk, like, yo, is that the same n***a?” 

“And I was like, yo, that’s the same dude. And we knew then it was a wrap, because everything that you see, the vision, the handling, the playmaking, he had all that at 6’2″, 6’3″. Now you telling me that this dude can do this at 6’6″, 6’7″. We knew it was over.”

Former Pro Hooper Lanny Smith speaking on facing a young LeBron in the 7th grade.

β€œFunny Story.. we’re checking into the Hotel for AAU Nationals, Bron & his team are outside, Bron had grew 5-6 inches, Big Perk was like β€œIs that the same nigga?πŸ˜³β€ We knew then.. it was a wrap.” pic.twitter.com/GjPGn56U3x

— ♕𝕕𝕒𝕧𝕠𓅓 (@shpillo_) September 3, 2024

As he watched LeBron’s early career unfold, Smith found it amusing to hear the comparisons to Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, knowing that LeBron’s game was fundamentally different from the start.

Even in the seventh grade, LeBron’s game was defined by his exceptional court vision, ball-handling skills, and playmaking ability. But what set him apart was his athleticism. Smith shared a memorable anecdote from that AAU Nationals tournament, where LeBron’s growth spurt left a lasting impression on everyone, including his teammate Kendrick Perkins. 

It was at that moment that Smith and his teammates realized the magnitude of LeBron’s potential. LeBron, who had already displayed elite vision, handling, and playmaking skills at 6’2″ or 6’3″, was now showcasing those abilities at 6’6″ or 6’7″. The combination of his size, skill, and athleticism made it clear that LeBron was destined for greatness.

Smith’s recollection of facing LeBron James in the seventh grade offers a unique perspective on the early development of one of basketball’s greatest players. It highlights how LeBron’s talent was undeniable from a young age, setting the stage for his legendary career.

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

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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 James
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ByVishwesha Kumar
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Vishwesha Kumar is a staff writer for Fadeaway World from Bengaluru, India. Graduating with a Bachelor of Technology from PES University in 2020, Vishwesha leverages his analytical skills to enhance his sports journalism, particularly in basketball. His experience includes writing over 3000 articles across respected publications such as Essentially Sports and Sportskeeda, which have established him as a prolific figure in the sports writing community.Vishwesha’s love for basketball was ignited by watching LeBron James, inspiring him to delve deeply into the nuances of the game. This personal passion translates into his writing, allowing him to connect with readers through relatable narratives and insightful analyses. He holds a unique and controversial opinion that Russell Westbrook is often underrated rather than overrated. Despite Westbrook's flaws, Vishwesha believes that his triple-double achievements and relentless athleticism are often downplayed, making him one of the most unique and electrifying players in NBA history, even if his style of play can sometimes be polarizing.Β 
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