LeBron James is the most recognizable NBA player playing today. This has been the case for most of his career.
- 2003 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game
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When LeBron was drafted number one overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, all eyes were locked on him. The potential LeBron had put a lot of pressure on him.
LeBron has had more pressure put on him since his first game in the league, than any other NBA player, and maybe more than any other athlete in any sport, period.
But when did everyone’s eyes land on LeBron? How was so much player put on a kid who never attended college?
On top of his incredible play in high school, which led to his team, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School basketball team, being featured on ESPN2.
LeBron won three state championships out of his four years, and there was speculation if he’d attend college or jump straight to the NBA.
After his high school season was over, LeBron would play in three high school basketball classics, with the last classic being his big appearance to the world.
2003 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game
LeBron participated in the EA Sports Roundball Classic, and the Jordan Capital Classic. But the McDonald’s All-American Game would be the game that truly put LeBron on the map.
LeBron was from Akron, Ohio, which is only a 45-minute drive from Cleveland. The 2003 McDonald’s All-American Game just so happened to be played at the Gund Arena, which was the home arena for the Cleveland Cavaliers. So, this night was a fitting welcome to the world for LeBron James.
The media was buzzing before this game. LeBron had appeared in a few magazine articles, plus his televised high school game brought a lot of attention to him.
Some people were calling LeBron “The Chosen One” and the “Next great NBA player”, so, people who’ve never seen this high school kid play, were ready to see if the hype was real.
At the start of the broadcast for the game, the announcers said, “LeBron James against the rest of the All-Americans.”
LeBron wore the number 23 throughout high school. This was in honor of his hero, Michael Jordan. In the McDonald’s All-American Game, LeBron wore the number 32, since 23 was retired in honor of Jordan.
LeBron wasn’t the only future star who played in the 2003 McDonald’s All-American Game. Alongside LeBron was Chris Paul, who was being called the best high school point guard in the nation.
Despite Paul and a few other names that were gaining attention, LeBron was the main focus in the game, and he would put on a show.
LeBron showed the world, what we all know now, that he was an all-around player who loved to get his teammates involved.
LeBron made beautiful passes to his teammates. He also made simple passes that were the correct basketball play.
But passing wasn’t the only thing LeBron showcased in the game. He made some huge slam dunks, showing off his incredible athletic ability.
LeBron led the East team to an easy 122-107 victory. His 27 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists was good enough to earn him the game’s MVP award.
This was also a forecast to the future, as LeBron’s McDonald’s All-American Game stats are basically the same as his NBA career stats.
After the game, more people believed in the hype of LeBron James and now the narrative changed to LeBron being the “Next Michael Jordan”, though he played more like Magic Johnson.
LeBron would eventually declare for the NBA Draft, skipping college. By a stroke of fate, the Cleveland Cavaliers would win the Draft lottery, and they’d select LeBron with the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft.
LeBron would go on to have an incredible career, winning four NBA championships, including one for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
The crazy thing about the LeBron story is that it’s still going, as LeBron at age 37 is still one of the best players in the game.
How will the story end for LeBron? For basketball fans, this is something they really don’t want to see.
