Photo Credit: USA Basketball
In a recent interview, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum shared a humorous and heartwarming story from his childhood involving NBA legend LeBron James. This tale, which has since gone viral, offers a glimpse into the early life of one of basketball’s brightest talents and his journey from a starstruck kid to an NBA superstar.
The story dates back to when Tatum was just 11 years old. At the time, LeBron James was already a household name, playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tatum, whose father was friends with LeBron’s teammate Larry Hughes, had the opportunity to attend a game in Memphis. Young Tatum was eager to meet his idol and get an autograph. However, things didn’t go as planned.
After the game, Tatum approached LeBron for an autograph, but due to the crowd and the hectic post-game environment, LeBron had to decline. Tatum recalls,
“He didn’t outright tell me no, but he kinda told me no. There were a lot of people back there, and he was like, ‘I’m out. I gotta go.'”
This left the young fan heartbroken, and he ended up crying in the car on the way home.
Years later, Tatum and LeBron would cross paths again, but this time as competitors on the NBA court. One of the most memorable moments of Tatum’s early career came during the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals when he famously dunked on LeBron. This moment was not just a highlight reel play but also a symbolic redemption for the young player who once cried over a missed autograph.
During a Team USA practice, Tatum recounted this story to LeBron, who responded with amusement and respect. LeBron joked,
“That’s why you dunked on me in the Conference Finals, right?” Tatum laughed and agreed.
Jayson Tatum recalls being 11 years old and crying after Lebron James turned him down for an autograph:
Lebron: “Is that why you dunked on me in the Conference Finals?”
(Via @NBA IG) pic.twitter.com/yh71ApkTZ5
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzellNBA) July 16, 2024
