The Celtics star Jayson Tatum recounts a childhood heartbreak about Lebron James and how it fueled his rise in the NBA, culminating in a memorable dunk on his idol

Lebron James snubed an autograph on a young Jayson Tatum(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)LAPRESSE

LeBron James’ career spans more than two decades, during which he’s cemented his place as one of the NBA’s all-time greats. His influence stretches beyond the game, inspiring a generation of players, including his son, Bronny James, and Jayson Tatum, who once idolized LeBron as a kid in Memphis.

Years ago, a young Tatum attended a Cavaliers game, hoping to meet his hero, LeBron James. His father’s best friend, Larry Hughes, played for the Cavs, and Tatum saw this as his golden ticket. But when he finally got his chance, LeBron, in a rush, declined to sign an autograph. Devastated, Tatum left the arena in tears, a moment that could have soured his view of the superstar forever.

Fast forward to a recent Team USA practice, where Tatum recounted this childhood story with a mixture of humor and nostalgia. He described how LeBron’s rejection fueled his competitive fire rather than dousing his admiration. “He didn’t outright decline, but it was tantamount to that,” Tatum said, recalling the heartbreak with a smile. LeBron’s reaction? A playful admission of guilt followed by a joke about Tatum’s memorable dunk during the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals.

Jayson Tatum’s infamous dunk on LeBron

That dunk, Tatum revealed, was a symbolic moment of revenge. “I was approximately 11 at the time,” Tatum reminded LeBron. “That’s probably why you dunked on me during the Conference Finals,” LeBron joked. Tatum shot back with a grin, “That was my revenge.” The light-hearted exchange underscored the deep respect and camaraderie they’ve developed over the years.

The initial disappointment didn’t tarnish Tatum’s respect for LeBron; instead, it ignited a drive that propelled him to NBA stardom. Their journey from that autograph snub to a brotherhood on the court is a testament to resilience and the power of turning setbacks into motivation. Today, Tatum and LeBron stand as respected teammates on the U.S. National team, laughing over past grievances and celebrating their shared history.

Their story serves as a reminder that even the smallest interactions can leave lasting impacts. Tatum’s transformation from a heartbroken kid in Memphis to an NBA star dunking on his idol showcases the importance of perseverance. And now together, they’re going to show the world how America plays ball.