‘You played against me’

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers’ star, has been an NBA member for many years. LeBron is currently in his 20th season of the league. While his age doesn’t show in his play, other players don’t hesitate to bring up the topic.

It was exactly this that happened during Monday’s Houston Rockets game. Jabari Smith Jr., a rookie with the Rockets, told James that Smith’s dad played against him.

The television broadcast picked up the moment. Smith can be heard telling James that he played against his dad in the first NBA game. James briefly thought this over before Smith replied, “You feel old,”

Smith didn’t mean to offend James by making the comment. He was simply making small talk to a legend.

Smith’s exchange paid off in a big way after the game — a 140-132 Lakers win — when James met Jabari Smith Sr. on the court. The two of them shared a hug, and they exchanged words on court. Smith Sr., when asked about the moment, said it was “unbelievable to see his son take on James.”

James, 38, is a veteran of the NBA. During his 20 seasons, James has played with at least one teammate born in the ’60s — Scott Williams — and another who was born in 2003 — Lakers rookie Max Christie.

James may be older, but he isn’t slowing down on the court. He’s averaged 29.7 point, 8.4 rebound and 7.0 assists per games. All three of these figures are above James’ rookie season averages that he faced Smith’s father.