when LeBron James He’ll be living up to all the hype in the city of Sacramento as he prepares for the Lakers against the Kings on Sunday, which will mark the 20th anniversary of James’ NBA debut.
The kid from Akron, Ohio, who graced the cover of Sports Illustrated while in high school and had nicknames like “The King” and “The Chosen One,” showcased skill and talent in that game , why he was cast as the transcendent superstar.
The 18-year-old James scored 25 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds and 2 steals against the Kings, who won the game 106-92. He shot 12-for-20 from the field and had only two turnovers in 42 minutes.
Lakers head coach Darwin Ham He was playing for the Detroit Pistons at the time and recalled how dominant James was in his debut.
“It’s unbelievable,” Ham said after Saturday’s practice. “I think it was a nationally televised game. He came out and played well. Really well. So it’s been an amazing time. I wonder if he realizes that. I’m sure people have played it. He came to remind him.
“Man, it’s been an awesome journey since then. At such a young age, all the basketball and hype and expectations were placed on him. Not only was he going to surpass them, but he was going to create a whole new world. He took it all Everything, the 10x super “LeBron James world” has exceeded all expectations. It’s great to see him still playing at a high level here. I believe once he realizes this, it will bring a lot to him remember.”
James will turn 39 in December and is entering his 21st season, and the Lakers need him now, too.
In the first two games, James averaged 21 points, 7.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game.
Cam RedThe 24-year-old said he has no “first memory” of James. He was impressed with his iconic teammate.
“It’s like dominating,” Reddish said. “I feel like a kid, I came in, what ’03? I was born in ’99. So, he’s been dominant, like, my whole life. You know what I’m saying? I think it speaks for itself. of.”
Russell is Reddish’s mentor
D’Angelo Russell He has grown into a mentor to the Lakers, sharing his wisdom with younger teammates and offering encouragement and advice.
Reddish is one of them, and he appreciates everything Russell has done for him.
The two talked frequently.
“DLo and I are locker room teammates, so we talk all the time,” Reddish said. “We talk about the game, the way we score, the way we participate. Impact the game as much as possible. So, I would say DLo in a big way, ‘You’ve helped me the most.’
Russell, who was drafted by the Lakers and played for Brooklyn, Golden State and Minnesota, saw a lot of “myself” in Reddish.
Russell said he didn’t really know “how to be a professional” and remembered how he was “judged by it.”
Entering his fifth season, Reddish is playing for his fourth team. He has played for the Lakers, Atlanta, New York and Portland.
Reddish was drafted by the Hawks with the 10th overall pick out of Duke University. People expect a lot.
“The only thing you can change is your approach,” Russell said, telling Reddish. “So, forget the past, change your approach, and work on improving your professionalism and the way you perform. Understand your perceptions as well as your thoughts.” Here’s what it looks like, they say. As a young player, you need to understand that. As a young player, it takes you banging your head a few times to realize what you’re seeing.
“So now, you have an opportunity. You have a group of veterans, a group of people who can help you. Listen. Do more. Do the opposite of what you’ve been doing.”
and Jared Vanderbilt Reddish got some extra playing time while sidelined with bursitis in his left heel.
He was asked to defend aggressively and with energy.
“Like, your role in the NBA can change every day,” Reddish said. “Injuries, there are a lot of factors that come into play. I just try to be ready in every aspect, be ready for anything, be ready for the worst-case scenario. Whatever my role is that night, that’s my role. ,I will do my best.”
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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.