“He took off from the free throw line” – Tim Hardaway recalls the moment when he knew LeBron James was NBA-ready in high school
After the flip of the century, whereas the Los Angeles Lakers have been dominating the league with a historic three-peat, the basketball world was concurrently being launched to a generational expertise rising from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School – LeBron James.
His uncommon mix of dimension, talent and athleticism left scouts and insiders in awe, though most followers hadn’t but seen him play dwell. One of the few who did was Tim Hardaway and what he witnessed left an enduring impression.
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Recalling that moment years later, Hardaway emphasised simply how rapidly it turned clear that the hype surrounding “The Chosen One” wasn’t exaggerated – it was fully actual. From a short on-courtroom interplay, he may already see a participant who operated on a very totally different degree in phrases of consciousness and really feel for the sport.
“He was still big and thick, but I didn’t recognize him. He was playing a game and it was 3-on-2 and we knew he liked to pass. Me and the other guy, he went one side, I went another to stop the pass. Motherf—er just took off from the free-throw line. He came down just full speed and motherf—er just took off. We was like, ‘D—n!’ He was right there and he missed the dunk. We was like, ‘You see that motherf—er just take off like that?’ We knew he had potential,“Hardaway recalled.”To me? That was impressive.”
Young LeBron was totally different
When James arrived in the NBA, he had the maturity of a seasoned veteran. During his rookie marketing campaign, he, a future 4-time MVP, did not simply common a group-high 20.9 factors per sport however even dished out 5.9 assists regardless of not being the group’s major ball handler. And that twin-menace skill – from with the ability to rating wherever on the courtroom and to contain others – was precisely what caught Tim’s consideration.
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While Hardaway seen that James possessed an uncanny skill to make performs even when he was in high school, he revealed the areas that also wanted growth. However, it was due to traits like people who James’ rise to superstardom since his early days wasn’t stunning for Tim.
“His jump shot wasn’t there, but his playmaking ability was always great,“Hardway added. “He you just knew that he understood how to play the game and he was ready for the next level coming out of high school.”
James wants the identical aptitude
What’s outstanding is how those self same qualities outline LBJ in the present day. With accidents to key teammates like Austin Reaves and Luka Donciche continues to shift right into a major playmaking function, controlling the tempo and involving different teammates like he did in his prime days.
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And the stats present simply that – in his earlier 4 video games, James hasn’t simply averaged 25.5 factors however has made positive that the Lakers’ offense hasn’t stagnated. Be it each time he assaults the rim as an unstoppable “freight train,” or when he creates open appears to be like for others (averaging 11.0 assists over the identical span), the Lakers’ offense appears to be clicking.
As a end result, Luke Kennard dropped over 13 factors in three of these 4 contests and Deandre Ayton dropped over 20 factors in two.
Thus, that is precisely the sort of traits James must showcase if the Lakers are to get previous the loaded Houston Rockets in their 2026 first-spherical playoff collection.
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Safe to say, it is virtually poetic. The identical traits that left Hardaway shocked when LeBron was simply an adolescent are the ones nonetheless defining him at 41. Longevity in sports activities is uncommon, however sustaining greatness in the very same means throughout many years is what makes King James’ profession really extraordinary.
This story was initially revealed by Basketball Network on Apr 16, 2026, the place it first appeared in the Latest News part. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
