Just like his father, Cavs superstar LeBron James, LeBron James Jr. is a name we are going to hear for years to come.
James Jr. is an extremely gifted basketball player for his age. Both he and his father have a unique set of talents in their own right. While James the elder is known for his explosive dunks and soul-crushing chase-down blocks, 12-year-old James Jr. is showing signs of outstanding ball-handling capabilities and a knack for dishing the rock.
Last weekend, James Jr. participated in a two-day basketball tournament in Texas. The gathering, called “John Lucas All-Star Weekend,” showcases teams of talented young athletes from all over the country, ages ranging from second to eighth grade. It seems like Jr. has picked up quite a bit from his four-time NBA MVP father.
James spoke with reporters after Monday’s Cavaliers shootaround to shed light on what he likes about his son’s game. Like any Dad, James praised his son and marveled at his willingness to pass the ball.
Via Chris Fedor of cleveland.com:
“It’s probably the best part of his game and I grew up playing basketball, playing AAU ball and watched a lot of kids kind of hog the ball,” James said when asked about his son’s latest highlight video. “Not pass the ball and things of that nature and I was never one of those kids. I always liked seeing my teammates excited about getting the ball and making a shot so to see him doing the same thing, it’s a pretty unique trait for a kid his age.”
James, who is averaging 26.0 points, a career-best 8.8 assists, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 37.6 minutes per game for the Cavaliers this season, is well-known for his ability to find the open man on the floor. By some accounts, passing is the most dangerous aspect of James’ game. However, when it comes to ball-handling and shooting , James admits that his son may have him beat.
“I didn’t handle the ball as well as he does,” James said of his son. “He handles the ball exceptionally and he shoots it a lot better than I did at that age, but I’ve always had the ability to pass the ball. It’s good to see him doing it as well.”
There is no doubt, when James Jr., who wears No. 0 in honor of his favorite NBA player, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, becomes eligible for college scouting and scholarships, the offers will begin pouring in. Reportedly, he has already garnered interest from Duke and Kentucky.
