LeBron vs. Kings on anniversary of NBA debut in Sacramento originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Life has a way of coming around, and for Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, one of those moments will happen on Sunday in Sacramento.
James and the Lakers will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their highly anticipated NBA debut when they take on the Kings at the Golden 1 Center at ARCO Arena in Sacramento.
Drafted No. 1 overall out of St. Vincent-St. In 2003, at St. Mary’s High School in Akron, Ohio, James and the Cleveland Cavaliers started the 2003-04 NBA season against Mike Bibby, Doug Christie, Peja Stojakovic, Vlade Divac, Bobby Jackson and Brad Miller make up the Kings. Chris Webber was suspended for the first eight games of the season, so he didn’t play against James.
On October 29, 2003, the Kings defeated the Cavaliers 106-92. James played 43 minutes and scored a game-high 25 points. He also contributed 9 assists, 6 rebounds and 4 steals.
Lakers head coach Davin Hamm was asked what Sunday’s game meant to James.
“It’s unbelievable,” Ham told reporters after Lakers practice Saturday (h/t Los Angeles Times ). “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’ debut was a preview of what was to come as he would go on to build one of the most decorated careers in NBA history. As he approaches his 39th birthday, the league’s all-time scoring leader’s days are not over yet.
In his first 20 NBA seasons, James played a total of 38 times against the Kings, averaging 26.8 points, 8.4 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game.
And just like 20 years ago, the Kings hope to send James home with a loss.