“Someday, Others Would Be Compared to Me”: LeBron James at 17, Spoke Valiantly on Being Compared to Michael Jordan

Trikansh Kher | 17/01/2023
"Someday, Others Would Be Compared to Me": LeBron James at 17, Spoke Valiantly on Being Compared to Michael Jordan

LeBron James has been steamrolling through the League for over 20 seasons now. The King has now been part of the league for more than one-fourth of its existence since it started in 1946. With his last season’s stats, LeBron has put himself in a league of his own.

Also Read: Doc Rivers Spews Confusing LeBron James and Michael Jordan ‘GOAT’ Take Prior To Lakers-Sixers

The “Chosen One” and how the Lakers superstar lived up to it

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that a young Lebron had the weight of the world on his shoulders. All before he was even old enough to drive a car. When James was only 17 he was crowned the “Chosen One” by Sports Illustrated. He became the youngest athlete to ever grace the critically acclaimed magazine’s cover.

Though a recently uncovered LeBron interview shows how he was mature way beyond his years. Even before he ever stepped on the hardwood for Cleveland.

The ESPN Interview with A 17-year old LeBron James

A young LeBron James was nothing less than a celebrity. His alma mater, St. Vincent had to often schedule games in bigger gyms as James attracted big crowds.

His game against future NBA hall of Famer, Carmelo Anthony also saw prime-time coverage on ESPN. The two went at it on national television as teenagers. All this buzz brought James a lot of notoriety, but never did James let it get to his head.

In an interview a 17-year-old James when asked about being compared to the games greats said the following, “For me to be compared to Michael, Magic, Kobe, all the ones that are making so much success in the league, it’s great. And Imma just keep(s) working hard. And someday, there could be another one that could be compared to me.”

The King’s legacy is deep and undoubtedly one for the history books. Even if we may differ in where we place the King on basketball’s Mt.Rushmore, his social work and his origin stories have put him in the eyes of society at large as someone who transcends the sport itself.

Also Read: “LeBron James!”: When Kobe Bryant’s Choice For Best Player in the NBA Left Everyone Flabbergasted

Post Edited By: Raahib Singh
cleveland cavaliers LeBron James NBA Sports Illustrated

About the author

Trikansh Kher

Trikansh Kher is a writer at The Sports Rush. A lawyer by education, Trikansh has always been around sports. As a young track athlete Trikansh was introduced to basketball through 'street ball' mixtapes. He was hooked and it has been 'ball is life' ever since. Trikansh is a designer by profession, but couldn't keep away from basketball. A regular on the blacktop, his love for the game goes further than just hooping. If Trikansh isn't going through box scores for last night's game, you can find him in his studio working on his designs or playing squash at the local club.

Don’t miss these