Back in 2001, a fresh-faced 16-year-old LeBron James with then-WBNS-10TV sports reporter Kirk Herbstreit (who now works for ESPN) for a very candid interview. In the interview LeBron James had just won his second of three Ohio state championships, and spoke with a medal and the cut-off net around his neck. Herbstreit asked some very interesting questions to the boy who would eventually become one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He asked LeBron what his ultimate goal was, and James responded “to play in the NBA.” Herbsteit also asked if would consider playing football for the Ohio State Buckeyes one day. “I don’t know about college football,” LeBron James said while laughing. “Nah, they hit too hard.” In the interview he also said he was not sure whether or not he would go straight to the NBA or play college basketball. Eventually LeBron went on to win three state championships with St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron. It all seems to be coming full-circle as LeBron and the Cleveland Cavaliers are two games away from winning city’s first championship since 1964. The Cavs have a 2-1 lead over the Golden State Warriors, and LeBron has been putting up some unbelievable numbers in the first three games. Other Cavs stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love are out for the season, and the Cavs’ depleted roster is relying heavily on number 23. And judging by the way a young-LeBron said he aspired to be the best ever, that’s exactly the way he wants it.
Continue Reading: [Video] 16-year-old LeBron James speaks about his future
