''This can't be messed up" - When Spike Lee told LeBron James' first agent that star has weight of the world on his shoulders
LeBron James was one of the most hyped prospects in NBA history in 2003. He was first represented by Aaron Goodwin, and acclaimed director Spike Lee had a warning for James ahead of his debut.
Lee told Sports Illustrated in October 2003 the importance of James. It was a dark time for the NBA at the time, as the next face of the league, Kobe Bryant, was fresh off a sexual assault case.
"There's so much riding on LeBron that he can't realize at his age," Lee said. "I told Aaron, 'This can't be messed up.' It's a crucial time for African-American athletes, who are taking such an image-beating, partly because of what happened to Kobe. LeBron has got to perform on the court, and just as important, he's got to perform off of it."
As it turned out, LeBron James was ready for it. He has been the face of the league for two decades and has carried it to new heights. He might be a polarizing figure, but "The King" is an inspiration for many across the world.
James' philanthropy has helped countless people in and out of his hometown of Akron, Ohio. He has exceeded all expectations to become one of the, if not the greatest player, of all time.
Known in 2003 as the "Chosen One," James mesmerized people during his rookie season. He won the Rookie of the Year over Carmelo Anthony, who led the Denver Nuggets back to the playoffs.
After missing the playoffs in the first two years of his career, James' career took off as he went to his first NBA Finals in 2007. He would go on to appear in ten NBA Finals, winning four of them, in 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2020.
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Is LeBron James retiring this offseason?
LeBron James hinted about retirement after the LA Lakers were swept by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals. James has been in the NBA for 20 seasons has accomplished almost everything.
"The King" remains one of the best players in the league despite being 38. He was hampered by a foot injury for most of the season. However, all signs point to him returning for his 21st year in the league.
One of the things James is looking forward to in the later part of his career is playing with his son Bronny in the NBA. Bronny is expected to enter the league in the 2024 NBA draft, and James will likely sign with the team that drafts his son.
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