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NBA’s Youngest Wasn’t Too Fond of Meeting 39YO LeBron James, The Oldest In The League

Published 03/28/2024, 1:20 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Wednesday night saw LeBron James and crew taking on the undermanned Memphis Grizzlies in the FedExForum. Playing the game without Anthony Davis, James bolstered the squad with an efficient triple-double. Shooting above 55% from the field, James logged 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists. Being the oldest player in the league, James exploited the Grizzlies’ size and inexperience throughout the game. As a result, all of James’ points came under the arc, highlighted by bully-ball and fadeaways.

Interestingly, the game posed James, the 39-year-old, against the youngest player in the NBA, GG Jackson (19 years old). So, when GG was asked about a possible interaction with James on the court, the youngster replied, “Other than him hitting fadeaways and f*****g us up, not really,” with a poker face.

 

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When GG was born on December 17, 2004, LeBron James was already in his second season in the NBA, dominating the league for his first-ever All-Star game. Now, years later, he was guarded heavily by Jackson throughout the game, posing a rare ‘youngest vs eldest’ matchup in the league.

Moreover, the two embraced the competition, as 13 of the 14 James’ attempts came near the basket. While James finished with his fourth triple-double of the season, GG ended the night with 10 points and 4 rebounds.

GG and LeBron James share mutual respect

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“I wanted to try to crowd him,” GG shared his game plan for the matchup of the night. The youngster anticipated condensing LeBron James’ offensive options by taking off the versatility in the driving lane.

However, as James dominated the paint, Jackson said, “But I didn’t realize how quick his first step is.” The youngster proceeded to defy the narrative of James not having enough moves in his bag. He said, “A lot of people say he doesn’t have much to his game. He really doesn’t need much to his game. When your first step is like that and you can pass the way he passes.”

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On the other hand, when probed about facing GG, James claimed that the youngster has elevated his game after joining the league. James said, “He’s gotten better and better every time he’s stepped out on the floor for this ball club.”

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James, always proud to stay in touch with all aspects of the game, has followed GG Jackson from his pre-NBA days. Moreover, he had a first-hand experience of witnessing the young talent in Peach Jam. GG was playing for Chris Paul‘s team, and was one of the best players in the contest in the eyes of LeBron.

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Written by:

Saahil Dhillan

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Saahil Dhillan is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports who discovered his basketball passion through the dynamic between Miami's LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Years later, Kobe Bryant reignited his love, transforming him into an extensive contributor who savors the matches, covers games live, analyzes post-game pressers, and reports on injuries. With his stories, he aims at making readers feel the intense drama unfolding on the court every day.
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Edited by:

Shivatmika Manvi