LeBron has now played against nine father/son duos
LeBron James’ longevity is approaching unprecedented levels, and to fully appreciate it, one has to look beyond mere statistics.
Yes, he’s averaging 29.7 points on 51.1 percent shooting, 8.4 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game this season, including 37.0 points, 9.7 boards and 8.7 assists since turning 38 years of age on Dec. 30.
But there is another lesser-known feat that speaks to James’ staying power in his 20th season.
The four-time MVP played Monday against Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets’ big man. He has now played against nine father/son duos throughout the course of his career.
It’s an amazing feat, especially when you consider how long it takes to stay in the league.
Smith’s father played four seasons in the NBA starting in the 2000-01 campaign, which means James played against him at the beginning of his career.
The Smiths have had a special moment
During Monday’s contest, the younger Smith let James know that his very first NBA game came against his father.
Smith, the elder Smith, was a Sacramento Kings player when James made his NBA debut in 2003-04.
If the comment made James feel old, he didn’t act like it, as he exploded for a season-high 48 points in a 140-132 win.
As James was being hugged by Smith, Smith’s elder brother was beaming with pride right after the game.
James, as the Nike commercials show, is having a good time laughing at Father Time.