National Basketball Association

Relive LeBron's record-setting NBA debut, 13 years ago today

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:50 p.m. ET

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Andrew Lynch

He's a three-time NBA champion, seven time Finalist, four-time MVP, and arguably the second-greatest player in basketball history. That epic journey began 13 years ago today for LeBron James, when he made his Cleveland Cavaliers debut against the Sacramento Kings.

LeBron's Cavs took the loss in that one, but the King made history in his very first game. He tallied 25 points, six rebounds, nine assists and four steals in 42 minutes. Since 1983-84 (as far back as Basketball-Reference's database goes), he is the only player to post at least 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals in his NBA debut.

So kick back on your Saturday and enjoy a quick look back at a man who lived up to the hype from the moment he stepped on the court:

There's one moment in particular that stands out from LeBron's first game, which you can see in this clip:

Did you catch it? No, not the rim-rattling dunks. Here, I've got you:

That's LeBron in a nutshell — always looking to assist his teammates rather than do things by himself. Sure, he was a rookie deferring to a veteran — the legendary Ricky Davis, who believed the Cavs brought LeBron to Cleveland to help him — but he was the Chosen One. It was well within his right to throw it down on the fastbreak. Instead, he passed. When in doubt, he usually does.

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