‘First Ballot Hall of Famer or you’re a bust’: How LeBron James was put under insane pressure in high school

A televised interview of LeBron James from his high school days has surfaced. The amount of pressure on his shoulders even at that age is telling.

LeBron is by far the most hyped prospect to ever enter the NBA. He’s also the only player in all of American sports today to exceed that level of hype once he entered the league.

Many already knew that he would be a star in the league, but almost nobody saw him having a legitimate argument as the GOAT.

LeBron James was in HIGH SCHOOL being told, “if you’re not a first ballot Hall of Famer, you’re gonna be considered a bust.”

Then still exceeded expectations. 👑 (2003) pic.twitter.com/RRtQ6pUNWa

— Timeless Sports (@timelesssports_) November 25, 2020

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LeBron James nails a tough interview question, back in his high school days

Bob Costas was one of the big name sportswriters of the time. He had no hesitation while putting LeBron James on the spot, even though he was only a senior in high school:

“How does it feel to know that if you’re not eventually a Hall of Fame caliber player, a lot of people will say you’re a bust, or overhyped. It’s not enough to be an All Star, you have to be a first ballot Hall of Famer?”

Take it 1 day at a time no matter how EXTREME the expectations they put on you before day 1 even starts. 🙏🏾👑 https://t.co/o9vd6vQCSz

— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 26, 2020

LeBron’s mature response to the question is truly amazing and highlights how composed he has always been.

“Well, I don’t look at it as looking into the future. I don’t really go by it. I take every moment at a time, because you’re not promised tomorrow. That’s what my mom brought me up on and all I will say is that I will try and get better every day.”

It’s still a marvel to see that 17 years into his career, James is still, by some distance, the most dominant player in the sport of basketball.