“On my birthday!” LeBron James remembers getting face FRACTURED by Dikembe Mutombo amidst mourning about legend’s death
LeBron James recalls getting his face battered by Dikembe Mutombo on his birthday, a memory he shared while mourning the death of the late star.
LeBron James and Dikembe Mutombo
LeBron James’ legendary career which has lasted for over his two-decade NBA career has seen him face many legendary players, including the late Dikembe Mutombo, who recently passed away after a battle with cancer. The four-time NBA winner shared a personal story during a recent media day, about an encounter with the Hall of Fame DPOY.
LeBron James during the media day began by offering his condolences to Mutombo’s family and expressed his admiration for the impact the big man had on basketball. After paying his respects, he then shared a memorable moment which happened early in his career that involved a physical encounter with Mutombo.
My fondest memory of Dikembe Mutombo. He fractured my face on my birthday in Cleveland with an elbow.
LeBron James said during media day
“He fractured my face on my birthday in Cleveland.” 😅🤕
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 30, 2024
LeBron shared his favorite memory of Dikembe Mutombo. pic.twitter.com/sRG9G2v1cc
The actual game which the ‘King’ was referring to took place the night before his birthday in 2004. It occurred while he soared into the lane to intercept a pass from Tracy McGrady, he caught Mutombo’s elbow to the face, which forced him to leave the game after just 17 minutes of play and prevented his return.
Dikembe Mutombo’s death shocked the NBA world with fans expressing their condolences and sympathies. He would be fondly remembered for his work outside the game, especially his humanitarian efforts in his native homeland.
LeBron James still has a lot left to give ahead of the new season
The future Hall of Famer, LeBron James will be entering his 22nd NBA season as a professional and while he is nearing the tail end of his illustrious career, he asserted that he still has a lot to offer. His MVP performance at the Paris Olympics was a testament to the fact that he contributed 14.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 8.5 rebounds per game.
I do have a lot in the tank. A lot.
LeBron James during media day (via Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet)
Playing so well for Team USA let LeBron know: “I do have a lot in the tank … a lot.”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) September 30, 2024
His recent success at the Summer games was evident that going into his record-breaking 22nd season he can still compete at the highest level. Last season he averaged 27.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game for the Los Angeles Lakers in a season that saw him surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and become the first player to score 40,000 career points.
This season will be a historic one for him as he is set to compete alongside his son Bronny. Fans were thrilled when pictures and videos flooded the internet about the two posing for photos during the Lakers media day.
Ubong Archibong
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