LeBron whips out same windmill dunk against Kings he flashed in his debut 20 years ago
Oct 30, 2023, 12:39 PM
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Kevin Huerter #9 of the Sacramento Kings in the second quarter at Golden 1 Center on October 29, 2023 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
The date Oct. 29, is special for for LeBron James.
On Oct. 29, 2003, James made his regular-season NBA debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers. His first opponent, the Sacramento Kings.
On the 20th anniversary of that date, James would face off against the Kings again. And while the Lakers did not get the best of the Beam Team, James, whether intentionally or not, threw down the same windmill dunk.
The NBA’s official X account, formerly known as Twitter, noted that the same photographer, Rocky Widner, took both photos 20 years apart.
Same date (October 29), same city (Sacramento), same photographer (Rocky Widner)… 20 years apart! 👑 pic.twitter.com/WDl9zvkhiy
— NBA (@NBA) October 30, 2023
James recorded a double-double in the loss, grabbing 15 rebounds, scoring 27 points and dishing out eight assists. Twenty years earlier in his debut, LeBron’s first stat line in his NBA career included 25 points, nine assists, and six rebounds.
After the game, James talked about the longevity of his career and putting everything into perspective.
“It’s pretty special. Pretty special that I’m still doing it being able to play the game that I love and it’s been a longer journey,” James said after the game.
ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin noted on X that the Sacramento Kings left a gift for LeBron James next to his locker, to commemorate the anniversary.
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