Most people don’t know that LeBron James could have started his career professionally a year earlier, and wouldn’t have joined the Cleveland Cavaliers, the club he later played for until the 2009 – 10 season. If not for the NBA’s strict regulations that declared him ineligible to be drafted. The NBA regulations threw away LeBron’s dream into the mud.
James once thought of taking legal action against the NBA when the regulations stopped him from being drafted in 2002. Reflecting on this could be to show the younger generation how the NBA’s strict rules have been relaxed over the years and the changes that have taken place since 2002. As you read further.
NBA regulations kept LeBron out of the 2002 draft
James who has won 4 NBA championships and many other accolades for himself, was however not made eligible to be drafted in 2002. Because of the NBA’s strict rule that didn’t allow a 17-year-old high school student to be drafted. The rule was however amended in 2009 which allows a 19-year-old to be drafted. The NBA rule was also changed in 2011 for another time. Now they said you will still be up to 19 which should be a high school graduate for a year accepting Citizens.
However, @NBAStatGuy posted through his Twitter now X “Throwback to that time LeBron wanted to sue the NBA to let him join after his Junior Year but the CBA was written in a way that wouldn’t allow it. Projected lottery pick if not the #1 pick as a 17-year-old Junior in High School.”
Throwback to that time LeBron wanted to sue the NBA to let him join after his Junior Year but the CBA was written in a way that wouldn't allow it.
Projected lottery pick if not the #1 pick as a 17-year-old Junior in High School.
Jay Bilas "I think he could compete in the NBA,… pic.twitter.com/LEQYYrp4xk
— NBAStatGuy (@NBAStatGuy_) August 10, 2023
Jay Bilas, the former NBA Player and analyst was asked if he thinks that LeBron would have done very well if he was allowed to play back then in 2002. Bilas said, “I think he could compete in the NBA, and compete favorably if he were to go right now. He’s certainly as good as some of the (younger players) that are in the league right now.” So, looking back, it seems like LeBron James could have handled the NBA at 17, back in 2002.
How long has LeBron James been in the NBA?
LeBron James was drafted first by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 and has gone on to spend a well-deserved time in the NBA, full of glories and memories. He has played in 20 NBA seasons to date and is continuing to play with the LA Lakers as the 2023/24 NBA season is set to kick start on 24 October.
He has played in 4 NBA teams namely: Cleveland Cavaliers from 2003 – 2010, Miami Heat between 2010 and 2014, a second spell with Cleveland from 2014 to 2018, and LA Lakers from 2018 till date. LeBron James is however the only NBA superstar who’s won the NBA championship with 3 of the 4 teams he has played with. He’s won 1 with Cleveland, 2 with the Miami Heat, and 1 with the LA Lakers.
LeBron James, fondly called King James and widely regarded as NBA G.O.A.T by many has won 6 All-Defensive Teams, 19 All-NBA, 1 All-Rookie Team, 3 NBA All-Star Most Valuable Player, 4 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player and 4 NBA Most Valuable Player among others. What a legendary career featuring LeBron James. His story is quite inspiring. Leave a comment in our comment section.
