An 18-year-old LeBron James had 15K people show up for his first pro summer league game with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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Drafted straight into the NBA from St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in his hometown Akron, LeBron James was national news. Standing at 6ft 5 at the time, and weighing above 200lbs, the Cavaliers rookie was a physical specimen, having hoop fans around America eager to catch a glimpse of him.
James was a multimillionaire even below playing his first official game, courtesy of his one-of-a-kind contract with sports giant Nike. LBJ was the highest-paid NBA player in his rookie year with his shoe deal and salary combined from the Cavs.
18 years old with a $90 Million dollar Nike deal.
May 22nd is a record-setting day — when @KingJames signed the richest rookie shoe deal in league history in 2003, before he ever played in a NBA game. pic.twitter.com/DlOcSTn4ac
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) May 22, 2020
Thus one can only envision the hype around the kid from Akron. Making his summer league debut in Orlando, James caused a 5-hour roadblock outside the arena before the game, with $5 tickets sold at $80 in the black market. Nonetheless, the Cavs rookie would make everyone’s money’s worth.
Also read: LeBron James rookie card: Lakers stars rookie card sold for record-breaking $1.8 million
Despite the enormous pressure, Bron delivered, and with style.
LeBron James’ summer league debut was a headline.
At the time, the Cavaliers were visiting the Orlando Magic, with fans from all over thronging to take notice of a generational talent in LeBron James. The Cavs forward clinched the W for his home team, scoring 14-points, 7-rebounds, and 6-assists, dominating the Magic 107-80.
“Poised looks like a man, they looked to him, he’s their leader immediately, brilliant passer, under control, smooth, tough, oh I was just overwhelmed, said former Magic senior vice president Pat Williams.”
This segment of LeBron’s summer league debut is ICONIC. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/H78ZKyDOLg
— LeBron Factory (@LeBronFactory) July 11, 2022
Addressing his first post-game media conference, James had the following to say.
“Yeah, I like the big stage, my teammates like it too, like I keep telling you’ll, my crowd is bigger than the Cavs crowd last year.”
Entering his 20th season, King James continues to cross milestones. The eighteen-time All-Star shall surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the all-time leading scorer in the 2022-23 season. Nonetheless, there continues to be uncertainty over the LBJ winning his 5th championship as the Lakers push for a Kyrie Irving trade this summer.
