As the NBA gears up for another exciting season, all eyes are on Cody Williams, the 19-year-old rookie who is set to make his debut with the Utah Jazz. Williams was the tenth overall pick in the recent NBA Draft. He is now preparing to step onto the court with some of the biggest names in basketball, including LeBron James, who continues to defy expectations in his illustrious career.
LeBron James, at nearly 40 years old, is entering his 21st NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Remarkably, he has maintained performance levels that rival his career averages, posting 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game last season. These stats are astonishingly close to his career figures of 27.1 points, 7.4 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game, demonstrating his enduring prowess even after such a long time.
James’ career, which began in 2003, spans more than two decades, a period longer than Williams’ entire life. He made his NBA debut over a year before Williams was born, and yet, the young Jazz player remains unfazed by the prospect of facing the basketball legend.
“I’m in the NBA for a reason. He still has to guard me, too,” Williams stated confidently in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. This statement encapsulates Williams’ mindset as he prepares to compete at the highest level, showing respect for James but also asserting his own place in the league.
Williams’ journey to the NBA was marked by a standout performance at Colorado, where he averaged 11.9 points per game with impressive shooting percentages—55.2% from the field and 41.5% from beyond the arc. These statistics highlight his potential and justify his top-ten draft selection.
Playing against LeBron James will undoubtedly be a significant moment for Williams. However, he remains focused and determined to prove himself on the court. “It will be cool to play against ‘the legend,’” Williams admitted.
“But also, I’m in the NBA. I was drafted at 10 for a reason. I’m not going to be starstruck at all; I’m going to obviously respect him but going to go at him and let him know I’m supposed to be there, too,” he added.
James, who recently re-signed with the Lakers on a two-year deal, shows no signs of slowing down. If he decides to retire after this contract, he will have completed 24 seasons in the NBA, spanning from age 18 to 42.
This incredible longevity has allowed him to join Vince Carter as the only players to compete in four separate decades. Furthermore, after his birthday on December 30, James will become the first player to participate in NBA games during both his teens and his 40s, a feat unmatched in the league’s history and reminiscent of Alex Rodriguez’s career in Major League Baseball.
As Williams prepares for his NBA debut, his confidence and readiness to face the best, including LeBron James, will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The rookie’s approach to the game and his performance on the court will determine how he navigates the challenges of his first season in the NBA and establishes his career in the years to come.
