Over 20 years ago Bill Walton covered LeBron James in high school, and he’s just as impressed all these years later.
NBA legend Bill Walton continues to be amazed by LeBron James, 20 years after covering him in high school. Recently, the Hall of Famer made an appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show” to discuss the greatness of James as he nears the NBA’s all-time scoring record,
“What he is doing in that game at 38 years old, he is not backing into this record; this is a staggering accomplishment of everything. LeBron is still the most active guy in the game and he is running so fast and attacking the rim and throwing it down, and then he shoots jumpers,” Walton said.
“When I watch LeBron, I can never figure out what the best part of his game is I mean, here’s a guy in any particular moment, any particular game, any particular event can be the best shooter, the best passer, the best dribbler, the best rebounder, the best defender, the best shot blocker, the best screener. He can do everything out there and he’s still doing it as well, if not better, than anybody else in the game,” the Hall of Famer added.
Walton knew early on
Walton was lucky enough to cover the Los Angeles Lakers superstar when he was a teenage prodigy in high school before becoming a household name.
Even way back then, it was obvious the Akron native was different from any prospect basketball scouts had ever seen, with an advanced skill set for someone his age, along with uncharted athleticism to marry up with that talent.
Walton was one of the few that had a chance to see “The King” up close before he entered the association, and all these years later, he is still amazed at what he is witnessing.
A legendary career
The Lakers as a whole have undergone an indifferent season this campaign, but James’ quest for the league’s most coveted individual record has kept the spotlight on the franchise despite being currently out of the playoff picture.
Many can echo Walton’s sentiments when watching what LeBron is doing despite the years, mileage, and overload burden he’s had to carry throughout his career.
Like all of us, Walton will be on the edge of his seat when James passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most points ever, and it will be a surreal moment in league history that will add to arguably the greatest career we have ever seen.