The Los Angeles Lakers legend LeBron James recently opened up on the time when realized he could become even greater than Michael Jordan.

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LeBron James is one of the best basketball players to grace the game. He is the only player to have 40,000 points to his name.

But despite having numerous accolades to his name, he could not escape the comparison between him and basketball legend Michael Jordan. Not only have the fans acknowledged the comparison time and again, but LeBron himself recently addressed his realization regarding going past MJ’s records.

James recently opened up about the pivotal moment in his life when he knew that he could ascend to greatness beyond the likes of Michael Jordan, Penny Hardaway, and other sporting legends he idolized. Reflecting on his journey, during the latest episode of The Shop, LeBron shared an insightful revelation that sparked a new level of self-belief and ambition.

At just 17 years old, LeBron James found himself at a crossroads where his exceptional talent and unwavering determination converged to create a sense of destiny.

During the show, Bron said, “I think I was about 17. It was the summer of my junior year going into my senior year I was on the cover of Sports Illustrated. They had dubbed me the ‘The Chosen One.’ And every tournament I was going to and playing against consensus number one players or top 100 guys. I was doing sh*t that sometimes was out of body for myself.”

However, Bron also added that it did not take him any longer than just 17 years to realize he could make up a name for himself. Rather than filling the shoes of Jordan and Penny, he could excel in the business while keeping the greats as a guiding force behind him.

“But I started to feel like, oh sh*t, you can now be a part of that room,” he added.

His appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated as “The Chosen One” marked a turning point in his young career, as at such a young age, it’s a biggie to feature in one of the sport’s most prestigious magazines.

Despite drawing inspiration from basketball luminaries like Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Deion Sanders, LeBron recognized his unique potential to carve out his own legacy. Not only was he compared with just basketball greats, but some experts went on to compare LeBron with the greatest Muhammad Ali.

LeBron’s formative years were defined by a precocious talent that hinted at the greatness to come. His dominance on the court during high school showcased a level of skill and versatility that set him apart from his peers, foreshadowing his future as a game-changing force in the NBA.

Entering the league as a teenager, LeBron defied expectations and exceeded the hype surrounding his arrival. His rapid ascent to stardom was fueled by a rare blend of athleticism, basketball IQ, and sheer determination, culminating in a Rookie of the Year award.

Over two decades of chart-topping performances, LeBron James has amassed an impressive array of accolades, from championships and MVP titles to All-Star appearances and All-NBA honors.