"Told you I could fly" - When LeBron James boasted of his explosive athleticism after epic sky dunk over Bobcats 

NBA superstar forward LeBron James hit the ground running upon being drafted No. 1 by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA draft. Early in his sophomore season (2004-05), the 2004 NBA Rookie of the Year showcased his explosive athleticism against the then-Charlotte Bobcats. Afterward, he jokingly boasted about his elite hops.

James has long been one of the league's most versatile players. However, the four-time MVP relied more heavily on his athleticism to begin his career, resulting in countless highlight plays.

On Nov. 18, 2004, James put on a show during the Cavaliers' 106-89 road victory over the then-expansion Bobcats. Late in the first half, he caught the ball on a fastbreak around 10 feet from the rim and soared for a right-handed sky dunk. His hand was nearly level with the backboard on the play, giving Charlotte little chance to contest the slam.

After the game, James quipped about his leaping ability and his preference for being airborne.

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"I told you all I could fly," James said. "I like it up there. Not too many people up there with me."

The second-year forward finished with 19 points, six rebounds, nine assists and two 3-pointers, shooting 57.1% across 30 minutes.

James got extended rest, as his squad cruised to a 17-point road win. That marked a rare occurrence, as he finished the season averaging a league-high 42.4 minutes per game.

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Bobcats coach likened LeBron James to a young Dr. J after his sky dunk

Following LeBron James' sky dunk against Charlotte, then-Bobcats coach and general manager Bernie Bickerstaff remarked about his squad being starstruck.

Bickerstaff likened James to a young version of NBA legend Julius "Dr. J" Erving, who is widely considered an all-time great dunker. He added that his team was helpless defensively.

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"The game reminded me of when Dr. J first came into the league," Bickerstaff said. "He would make plays, and everyone would start watching him. It seems that everyone came to watch LeBron, and this is inclusive of us."

Over 80 outings during his sophomore campaign, James averaged 27.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.4 3-pointers per game, shooting 47.2%.

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