From the very first day LeBron James picked up a basketball, he wanted to be like Mike.
James and his closest friends idolized Michael Jordan while they grew up together on Akron's competitive playgrounds and tough streets. As James grew into a tantalizing basketball prospect capable of jumping from high school to the NBA as the No. 1 draft pick, he studied, imitated and drew profound inspiration from Jordan's tongue-wagging dunks, that fadeaway jumper, his competitive fire -- even the little details of the way Jordan wore his sneakers and shorts.
James has grown into a 34-year-old man with three championship rings and a redoubtable 16-year NBA career. Yet he is still in awe of Jordan, who has represented the apex of achievement for his entire life. Every loss eats at James, yet he fidgeted in front of his locker afterward with the anxiousness of a rookie, still buzzing over the enormity of the moment in his life.
James is among the last active players who were old enough to witness Jordan in his prime with the Chicago Bulls. Little LeBron would buy packs of basketball cards hoping for a Jordan, and he would study every aspect of Jordan's game, down to the way he wore his calf sleeve turned slightly inside-out so that the red lining showed.
James is an inspiration to a generation now, many of whom have already reached the NBA. Several of the Nuggets spoke of idolizing James while they grew up, and his own Lakers locker room includes teammates playing alongside one of their boyhood heroes. This achievement also might be the biggest highlight of a disappointing season with the Lakers , who have fallen to the fringe of playoff contention. The struggles bother James, who has played in the last eight NBA Finals and hasn't missed the post-season since 2005.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
LeBron passes Jordan for fourth in career scoring - TSN.caLeBron James has moved past Michael Jordan into fourth place on the NBA's career scoring list. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar scored his 32,293rd career point on a driving layup in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night, getting fouled in the act.
Read more »
LeBron set to pass Jordan on NBA's all-time scoring listSitting just 13 points away from passing Michael Jordan for fourth on the NBA's all-time scoring list entering tonight's game against the Nuggets, Lakers star LeBron James discusses what the accomplishment means to him.
Read more »
Danilo Gallinari gets 23 as Clippers hold off slumping Lakers - Sportsnet.caDanilo Gallinari scored 23 points, Lou Williams added 21 and the Los Angeles Clippers dealt another blow to the Los Angeles Lakers' fading playoff hopes with a 113-105 victory Monday night.
Read more »
LeBron vows to 'keep pushing forward'Despite the Lakers playoff chances dwindling, LeBron James says he will
Read more »
By the Numbers: LeBron vs. MJWith LeBron James passing Michael Jordan for fourth place on the NBA's all-time scoring list on Wednesday night, SportsCentre goes inside the numbers on how the two compare to one another.
Read more »
Dwyane Wade passes Michael Jordan for most blocks by guard in NBA history - Sportsnet.caDwyane Wade surpassed Michael Jordan for the most blocks by a guard in NBA history (includes both regular season and playoffs) on Monday night.
Read more »
Jordan Peterson: With new technology comes great power — and great responsibilityIn this occasional series, Jordan Peterson writes from his international speaking tour for his book, 12 Rules for Life
Read more »
Evander Holyfield KOs Jordan Martinook during Hurricanes celebration - Sportsnet.caWatch as Evander Holyfield participates in the latest epic Carolina Hurricanes celebration.
Read more »
LeBron moves into 4th on all-time scoring, but Nuggets beat Lakers - TSN.caWill Barton scored 23 points, Gary Harris added 19 and the Denver Nuggets snapped their three-game losing streak with a 115-99 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night despite LeBron James' move into fourth place on the NBA's career scoring list.
Read more »
Antonio Brown: There's 'too much smoke' to return to Steelers - Sportsnet.caAntonio Brown appeared on LeBron James' HBO show 'The Shop' where he spoke about future with the Steelers and didn't hold back on his feelings towards QB Ben Roethlisberger.
Read more »