One of the benefits of attending All-Star weekend is having the opportunity to see the best players in the league all in one court playing with your idol live and in person. As great as that seems, it’s an even more surreal experience when you can play against your idol.
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
LeBron James gave his eldest son the ultimate experience on Saturday by letting him go one-on-one with his favorite player. As Team LeBron’s practice session was coming to a close on Saturday afternoon, Lebron Jr. had the opportunity to face reigning MVP Russell Westbrook on the court.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin:
LeBron tells me LeBron Jr. (No. 0) & Bryce (No. 30) wear their numbers after Westbrook & Steph. “I love that they carve their own path”
He plays basketball for his school while wearing No. 0 in honor of the Oklahoma City Thunder star.
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ superstar was watching his son try his best to score on and defend one of the best players in the NBA. The older James was right there, too, enjoying every moment.
J Pat Carter/Getty Images
Westbrook didn’t give an inch to LeBron Jr. Not only did he score on the young man, he also played tough defense on James’ son. At the end of the short face-off, you could hear LeBron Sr. saying, “No mercy. No mercy.” James was making sure that his son understood that if he wanted to be as good as his idol he’d have to take on Westbrook.
You have to wonder, though, if Westbrook gave the young man some tips on how to improve his game. If he ever sees LeBron Jr. on the court again during next year’s All-Star Game practice session, Westbrook might find a better player facing him.