Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell Recalls ‘Crying’ While Watching Young LeBron James At First NBA Game

LeBron James is the best basketball player of all time. Young LeBron was a serious threat to all NBA veterans and D’Angelo Russell knows it well. The 39-year-old basketball star was an idol to young NBA players. He still is. Everyone wants to be just like him.

Russell will always remember the first time he watched LeBron play. He fell in love with the game and LeBron’s brilliance fueled it.

“He’s the first person I saw play in the NBA, to be honest,” DLo said. “My dad took me to my first NBA game … I was a big LeBron fan. He did that signature dunk. I remember crying. … Remember crying vividly. I was like, this is where I want to be. He’s inspired me without even knowing it.

“I’m not surprised by anything he’s doing. I won’t be surprised by anything he continues to do.”

D'Angelo Russell on LeBron: "He's the first person I saw play in the NBA … My dad took me to my first NBA game … I was a big LeBron fan. He did that signature dunk, and I remember crying…I was like, this is where I want to be. He's inspired me without even knowing it." pic.twitter.com/yqi1bSxd7c

— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvo_) March 1, 2024

Russell was motivated by young LeBron for a reason

LeBron showed his dominant side in the win over the Wizards. He was lethal and elevated the team when they needed him most. King James finished the night with 31 points and nine assists.

LeBron would agree that it was team effort. Austin Reaves scored 12 points, Spencer Dinwiddie did 10, and Anthony Davis scored amazing 40 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks.

The Lakers beat their city rivals as well. It was LeBron again. He turned into a beast in the fourth quarter. The chase-block was fire. He said, “I was taught at a young age: When you turn the ball over, you need to sprint back.”

Age has nothing on LeBron and he sure has a lot left under the belt.

“You try to compare how high he jumps when he first got to the league til now … it’s a little drop but he’s still jumping over dudes,” said Russell.

LeBron follows it up with a big 3 down the other end!

30 points for the King!pic.twitter.com/K4gMJAyDsX

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 1, 2024

Many speculated about LeBron’s potential retirement, but the king doesn’t pay much attention to outside noise. He wants to play on the same team with Bronny and won’t call it career until this happens.

“He’s still got some years under his belt,” said Russell. “You’re seeing Year 21. Might be seeing Year 25.”