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Reading: Video: Jabari Smith Jr. Tells LeBron James That His Dad Played In LBJ’s Debut
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Home > NBA News & Analysis > Video: Jabari Smith Jr. Tells LeBron James That His Dad Played In LBJ’s Debut

Video: Jabari Smith Jr. Tells LeBron James That His Dad Played In LBJ’s Debut

Jabari Smith Jr. told LeBron James a fact about LBJ's NBA debut in 2003 that was bound to have made him feel old.

Ishaan Bhattacharya
Jan 17, 2023
3 Min Read
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Credit: Fadeaway World

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. 😂

pic.twitter.com/1CYDDh85YJ

— 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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TAGGED:Houston Rockets ArchiveLeBron JamesLos Angeles Lakers Archive
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ByIshaan Bhattacharya
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Ishaan Bhattacharya is a content manager for Fadeaway World from New Delhi, India. With his expertise in NBA content creation, Ishaan brings a wealth of experience to his role, contributing to the site's authority and reach within the basketball community. Over the last year, Ishaan has interviewed Ray Allen and Mark Tatum, while also covering the 2023 NBA Abu Dhabi Games which saw the Dallas Mavericks take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.Since joining Fadeaway World in March 2022, Ishaan Bhattacharya has become known for his unique perspective on the NBA. He consistently delivers this insight through his daily news coverage and detailed opinion pieces on the most significant topics in the league.Before his tenure at Fadeaway World, Ishaan worked in corporate communications, where he serviced prominent sports brands, including NBA India, Sports18, Amazon Prime Sports, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. This experience in strategic communications for leading sports entities has enhanced his ability to craft impactful narratives and connect with a global audience.A true MFFLer (Mavs Fan for Life, for the uninitiated), Ishaan is a massive fan of the Dallas Mavericks. When he is not upset about Jalen Brunson walking in free agency, you can see Ishaan as an avid gamer and content creator. His passion for basketball extends beyond the Mavericks, as evidenced by his thoughtfully curated NBA Mount Rushmore, featuring LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bill Russell—each representing distinct eras and bringing their unique qualities to the game.Featured On: ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report, Yahoo Sports, NBA, Fox Sports, The Spun
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