LeBron James Sends a Message to Former Orlando Magic Star

Anfernee Hardaway entered the big league as a third selection in the first round of the 1993 NBA Draft. Hardaway became part of the Orlando Magic a year after Shaquille O’Neal joined the team. These two became a strong duo and defeated the Chicago Bulls in 1995 to make the NBA Finals. They didn’t win the big game but the kid from Akron was right there, watching the big guys play. LeBron James found true inspiration in the Orlando Magic superstar. Penny was a true inspiration for him, and LeBron will always remember his impeccable hooping style. King James was 11 back then.

In an episode of NBA on TNT, O’Neal said that Penny was the perfect mixture of Kobe Bryant, LeBron and Dwyane Wade. “Penny is a mixture of all the other guys that I have played with,” Shaq said. He also compared Penny’s passing skills to LeBron’s passing game. Well, LeBron has something to say about this. He made similar comments about the Orlando Magic legend.

LeBron James grew up watching Penny and the Orlando Magic win

Sports Illustrated shared a photo on Instagram to wish the legend a happy birthday. It was the cover photo of SI Magazine from February 13, 1994. Penny had great success with Orlando in 1995 and 1996.

LeBron shared the same message to his Instagram Story. He wished the four-time NBA All-Star and 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist a happy birthday.

“YesSir!!!!! Happy Bday to one of my fav hoopers of All-Time and inspiring @iam1cent[emojis],” the king wrote.

Penny celebrates his 49^th birthday and July 18 is his day.

In May 2020, LeBron shared another story of Penny. In this story, Penny was really young and his dunks were amazing. His passes worked like magic on the floor.

“My God!!! My 2nd favorite player of All-time man! Literally could watch him play every night!!” LeBron wrote.

In 1996, Orlando had a 60-22 record and that was second next to the Chicago Bulls. That season, Penny was averaging 21.7 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game with the Magic. He had a really great time with the team and had 19 points per game average throughout his stint with the team.