Former NBA forward Michael Beasley, who had an extensive career spanning 11 years with several teams including the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers, recently shared a humorous recollection from his draft night. Beasley, selected as the second overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat, reflected on an encounter with none other than LeBron James, a player he would later team up with in Miami and Los Angeles.
On the Big3 podcast, Beasley recounted his nervous interaction with the then-rising superstar. At only 19 years old and fresh off being drafted, Beasley humorously recalled James asking him, “Are you ready?” to which he cheekily responded, “Are YOU ready?” This light-hearted moment left an impression on Beasley, who noted that James looked him up and down before walking away. They later had more meaningful discussions, and Beasley expressed admiration for James, stating, “Bron’s one of the best people ever.”
In addition to sharing his draft night memories, Beasley recently articulated why he believes LeBron should be considered the greatest of all time (GOAT) during an appearance on the Common Denominator podcast. While discussing the GOAT debate with Michael Jordan, Beasley highlighted James’ impressive statistics and longevity in the sport, pointing out that negatives often cited about Jordan are overlooked.
As LeBron enters his 23rd season in the NBA, expectations are high for the Lakers to perform better following a first-round exit in the playoffs. The Lakers have made strategic offseason moves to bolster their chances, igniting excitement amongst fans about what the upcoming season could hold.
Beasley’s anecdotes give fans a glimpse into the camaraderie and respect that exist among players in the NBA, especially between current and former teammates. With the anticipation building for the upcoming season and LeBron’s prominent role in the Lakers’ journey, there’s a shared hope for a successful and entertaining campaign ahead.