LeBron James’ NBA journey began with a storybook moment when the Cleveland Cavaliers won the 2003 draft lottery and selected him with the No. 1 overall pick.
As a native of Akron, Ohio, just under an hour from Cleveland, James landing with his hometown team seemed almost too perfect. At the time, many saw it as fate, but now, James himself is questioning whether it was all just a coincidence.
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LeBron stirs the NBA Lottery pot
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, the four-time NBA champion hinted that the league might have orchestrated the draft lottery to ensure he ended up in Cleveland.
“Listen, man, during the ball drop, during the lottery drop, Cleveland got the No. 1 pick,”James said.
“I just don’t think that was… What a coincidence, huh?”
James didn’t stop there.
He referenced other draft moments that have long been subject to speculation.
“Let’s keep LeBron home,” he continued.
“You know what? Patrick Ewing to the Knicks, Derrick Rose to the Bulls. I understand the assignment, guys.”
The NBA introduced the lottery system in 1985, and that inaugural year led to the New York Knicks landing Patrick Ewing, one of the most sought-after college prospects ever.
Similarly, in 2008, Chicago secured the No. 1 pick despite having just a 1.7% chance, allowing them to draft hometown star Derrick Rose.
These moments, much like Cleveland’s win in 2003, have fueled conspiracy theories about the league influencing lottery outcomes.
While there’s no concrete proof that the NBA manipulated the draft, James’ comments reignite an old debate among fans.
Was it simply luck that led the Cavaliers to the No. 1 pick, or was the NBA shaping a storyline too compelling to leave to chance?
The truth may never be known, but for now, James is more than happy to keep the conversation going.
