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‘Why are you doing that to me?!’: LeBron James, 38, sees the funny side when Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr tells Lakers star he played against his DAD in his first NBA game in Sacramento 20 years ago in 2003
LeBron James laughed because he feels ‘old as fuck’ after being reminded by Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr that he faced his father in his first NBA game.
Lakers star James introduced himself to the NBA on October 29, 2003 when the Cavaliers faced the Kings in Sacramento.
James racked up 25 points, nine assists, six rebounds and four steals on the night, and while he remains a special memory in his 20-year NBA career, he’s long since forgotten he’s ever faced No. 1 draft father Jabari Smith. 3 from Houston. to choose.
Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr and Lakers’ LeBron James shared an amazing pregame conversation.
Caught on cameras and microphones before the game, the 19-year-old wasted no time in reminding James how old he really is.
“Hey, you played my dad in your first NBA game,” Smith told James.
‘In fact?’ james replied
Smith said, ‘Sacramento.’
There was a brief silence as James held back a laugh before saying, ‘Why are you doing that to me?’
“You feel old, don’t you?” Smith said, before the action began.
The Rockets teenager reminded James that he played against his father during his NBA debut in 2003.
James may have “felt old,” but he had the last laugh when he scored 48 points in a 140-132 win.
Although the youngster was not mistaken, his father never touched the field during James’ expected debut, instead watching from the bench.
But he faced the forward a year later when he was part of the New Jersey Nets.
‘Made me feel old as c**p!’ James, who finished with 48 points in 36 minutes in a 140-132 victory, said afterwards.
‘I’ve had the pleasure of playing against some father and son combinations. It has been a great journey in these 20 years. Always an honor for me.
James has had his fair share of father-son combinations try to take him on over 20 years in the NBA, including Rick and Jalen Brunson, Adrian and AJ Griffin, Kenyon and KJ Martin, Samaki and Jabari Walker, as well as the sons of Gary Payton. , Gary Trent and Glenn Robinson.