How 18-year-old LeBron James’ Christmas Game Turned Tracy McGrady into a ‘Believer’

Over the 22 seasons, LeBron James has managed to draw praise from nearly everyone who has played against him. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar has played against some of the best to ply their trade in the NBA since the early 2000s.

Many Hall of Famers, All-Stars, champions, and others have 1st hand accounts of how good, or bad, he was. While there are some who continue to find criticism in his game, mostly, it has been positive.

When he 1st came in as an 18-year-old, the hype surrounding him did not help matters. Some of his teammates were not happy, and some eventually left for other teams. That hype also led James to find himself in the crosshairs of other established greats.

For instance, Tracy McGrady was the de facto leader of the Orlando Magic at the time. He was a 2-time All-NBA 1st teamer and the reigning scoring champion. When he was about to face an 18-year-old LeBron James, he believed that he would have the upper hand.

I’m hearing from my boys back home. What? ‘Y’all think I’m about to let Bron come in here and steal the show as a rookie? To see a young cat like that with the poise, going up against me…. To see how he handled that, I knew he was born for stardom.

Tracy McGrady said on 7PM in Brooklyn

T-Mac respected rookie LeBron differently after their Christmas Day duel 💯

“I knew he was born for it, for stardom. Like he was gon’ be that dude.” pic.twitter.com/xPe112N5Fj

— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) July 17, 2025

McGrady was aware of the hype surrounding the 2003 draft class. Most notably, he knew that his friends were also wondering if the now Hall of Famer could keep up with the young LeBron James. In the end, it was his ability to stay poised that made him a ‘believer’.

Tracy McGrady believes a young LeBron James was different

While talking about that battle between himself and a rookie LeBron James, Tracy McGrady went on to reveal what made that game an instant classic. That day, he saw something in the then-Cleveland Cavaliers star, he had never seen in an 18-year-old.

The shots that he was making. When you are playing against somebody, a dynamic scorer like myself, and then you gotta go on the other end and score and guard that dude. When he’s making shots like that, meaning myself, you get a little bit discouraged. When I saw he didn’t gets discouraged, I was like ‘Okay, dude gon’ be a problem.’

Tracy McGrady said

The 7-time All-Star went on to say that he has faced several elite players during his 15 seasons in the league. But never in his career did he realize just by looking into LeBron James’ eyes that he was built differently.

Tracy McGrady versus a rookie LeBron James in 2003. pic.twitter.com/H52D32O5I8

— Fastbreak Hoops (@FastbreakHoops5) April 13, 2025

McGrady has often talked about how great Kobe Bryant was or how good Michael Jordan was. But to say this about the now-Los Angeles Lakers’ superstar is as glowing a praise as can come from one of the best players in the past two decades.

LeBron James waiting for Lakers to finalize roster

This praise from a Hall of Famer will be good music to LeBron James’ ears. However, he is currently looking for updates on what the Los Angeles Lakers are doing in terms of building a championship-ready roster.

Trade rumors are swirling around his name, and some feel that the Dallas Mavericks could make a win-win proposal for all parties involved. James will get to reunite with former teammates Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis, while the Lakers will likely get draft assets or young players.

However, it is highly unlikely that the 40-year-old would want his legacy to end in this fashion. He wants the Lakers to do everything possible to help him fight for another title before he retires. Therefore, all this noise may be just to push the front office to do better.

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