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Metta World Peace Was Stunned Seeing 15-Year-Old LeBron James Put On A Show In Front Of Michael Jordan
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Metta World Peace reminisced about the awe he felt watching a young LeBron James showcase his extraordinary talent in a pickup game attended by none other than Michael Jordan. Reflecting on the moment during an interview on Paul George's "Podcast P," Metta World Peace vividly recalled how a 15-year-old LeBron left a lasting impression on everyone present.

"Everybody knew who he was. He was already famous. I'm like, I want to see what he got. He was cooking. He was 15 or 16 posting, getting to the basket and I'm like, 'This is going to be a huge issue,' you know, and for sure it was." 

"When I saw that, it motivated me. I'm like, 'I got to go to work.' He coming into the league cooking. I was not like that when I was 15. ... He could have gone pro right then honestly."

Metta World Peace described feeling inspired by LeBron's performance. Witnessing the young phenom dominate the court with his advanced skills and physicality made Peace realize the magnitude of LeBron's potential. The sight of a teenager holding his own against experienced NBA players was nothing short of extraordinary.

At that time, LeBron was not only creating a buzz but was also putting up phenomenal numbers at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, averaging 25.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game while shooting 58.4% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range in his sophomore year. These statistics highlighted his advanced skill set and underscored why he was such a highly anticipated NBA prospect.

The pickup game took place in Chicago and featured elite stars like Jerry Stackhouse and Jamal Crawford. Playing alongside such seasoned professionals and impressing them was a remarkable feat for someone of LeBron's age.

In addition to the presence of these NBA athletes, the game was also attended by six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan. Although Jordan was retired, his involvement added an extra layer of significance to the event. Seeing LeBron perform at such a high level in front of the basketball legend underscored the exceptional nature of his abilities.

Metta World Peace's recollection highlights how LeBron James, even as a teenager, exhibited a game that was well beyond his years. His ability to post up, drive to the basket, and compete fiercely against grown men foreshadowed the stellar career he would go on to have. For Metta World Peace and many others, that moment was a clear indication that LeBron was destined for greatness. 

Despite Metta World Peace's reputation as a great defender, LeBron has consistently performed well against him, averaging 26.9 points, 6.8 assists, and 6.7 rebounds in their 21 NBA matchups. This further underscores the remarkable consistency and dominance LeBron has maintained throughout his career, starting from his teenage years.

LeBron James And Michael Jordan Played On The Same Team And Destroyed Everyone

LeBron James and Michael Jordan, two of the greatest basketball players in history, once teamed up and completely dominated the court. This legendary collaboration happened during a pickup game at Jordan's camp in Santa Barbara when LeBron was a rookie in the NBA.

LeBron shared this memorable experience on an episode of "Uninterrupted." He recounted that during the camp after the day’s events concluded and the kids left, he and Jordan, along with some college players, would engage in intense games. LeBron vividly remembered being on the same team as Jordan and emphasized that they didn’t lose a single game during these sessions.

At the time, LeBron was already a highly anticipated NBA prospect, coming off an impressive high school career at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. His advanced skills and physical presence on the court made him a perfect match for playing alongside the legendary Jordan.

Despite their rare appearances together on the court, this brief period of dominance at Jordan's camp gave fans a thrilling glimpse of what could have been if LeBron and Jordan had played in the same era. LeBron's later success against elite defenders underscores his incredible talent and highlights the unstoppable force that he and Jordan represented when they teamed up, even for a short time.

LeBron James And Michael Jordan On The Same Team Would Be Invincible

Imagining LeBron James and Michael Jordan on the same team brings a sense of awe and excitement to basketball fans worldwide. Widely regarded as the two greatest players of all time, their combined prowess would create an invincible force on the court.

Both LeBron and Jordan have dominated their respective eras with unparalleled skill sets. LeBron, with his exceptional passing, basketball IQ, and versatility, can orchestrate an offense like no other. His ability to make pinpoint passes, read defenses, and create scoring opportunities for his teammates is unmatched. 

Jordan, on the other hand, is the quintessential scorer, with a killer instinct and an arsenal of offensive moves that made him nearly unstoppable in his prime. Pairing Jordan's scoring with LeBron's playmaking would be a nightmare for any defense.

Jordan has never played with a passer of LeBron's caliber. While Scottie Pippen was an excellent facilitator and complemented Jordan perfectly, LeBron's vision and passing abilities are on another level. 

LeBron, often compared to a more athletic Magic Johnson, could elevate Jordan’s game even further by consistently setting him up for easy baskets. Imagine Jordan cutting to the basket or finding open spots on the floor, with LeBron delivering perfect passes time and again.

Similarly, LeBron has never teamed up with a scorer as prolific as Jordan. While Kyrie Irving and Dwyane Wade were excellent offensive players, neither reached the scoring heights of Jordan. Jordan's relentless drive, mid-range game, and clutch performances would perfectly complement LeBron's all-around game. Together, they would form an offensive duo that could score at will, from any spot on the floor.

Defensively, the combination of LeBron's versatility and Jordan's tenacity would also be formidable. Both players are known for their defensive prowess, with the ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses.

Unfortunately, this dream pairing remains in the realm of simulations and video games. However, the mere thought of LeBron James and Michael Jordan on the same team captivates the imagination. 

Their combined skills, competitive spirit, and basketball IQ would create an invincible duo, capable of dominating any era of the NBA. This hypothetical team-up would undoubtedly be the greatest spectacle in basketball history, a true testament to the legacy of two of the game's all-time greats.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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