Father Time Finally Tests LeBron James’ Photographic Memory as 39YO Forgets His First Ever Autograph
via Imago
When Team USA was at the Paris Olympics, they were busy signing autographs daily. Interestingly, it was revealed that LeBron James was hooping with at least two players who had asked for his autograph when they were kids. That’s how insane Bron’s longevity is. One of the players was AD and the other one was Jayson Tatum. So, you may ask, what’s the sad thing here? Tatum was denied a signature which would’ve been a cool memorabilia! But who has the first autograph the King ever signed?
The 4x champ has shown off his photographic memory before, perfectly describing plays, and remembering in-game moments from a long, long time ago. “I didn’t even know what photographic memory meant when I was younger until I got older. It’s something that I was born with or blessed with,” he once said. While paying tribute to Vince Carter, the veteran pulled out highlights from almost a decade ago as if they were still fresh in his memory. But this time, it looks like Father Time has finally caught up to the legend!
The 20x All-Star was asked, ahead of the shootaround, before they take on the Kings on Thursday, about a woman who claims to have his first ever autograph from 18-19 years ago and whether he remembers that. To which he replied, “Yeah. Uh, I don’t remember. Um, and, if that, if that is the case, then that’s pretty damn cool that she, that she kept that. And, if I did do that, that’s pretty cool too.”
He further told the media, “But um, I absolutely do not remember. I have been signing autographs, probably my rookie year so.”. His first taste of autographing came back in eighth grade when he went to the AAU Nationals in Orlando, Florida, revealed LeBron. It was there that the whole “autograph thing” kicked off for him.
When asked about the first autograph he ever signed, Bron laughed and mentioned it might’ve been for his mom. For him, it likely feels like ages ago when he signed his first one, but it’s clear it all started with a personal moment, probably just between him and his family.
LeBron is about to hit a major milestone tonight when the Lakers take on the Kings at Golden 1 Center. By the time he plays his 10th minute, he will surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most regular season minutes played in NBA history. With 57,437 minutes already logged, LeBron is just 9 shy of Kareem’s 57,446. It’s a remarkable achievement, but it’s more than just about the numbers.
What sets LeBron’s career apart is his incredible consistency and longevity. Sure, other players have played for a long time, but none quite like LeBron. He and Vince Carter are tied for the most seasons played in the league at 22, but there’s a key difference: LeBron’s minutes. While Carter averaged 30.1 minutes per game, LeBron has maintained a 37.9 average. The only season James dipped below 35 minutes was 2020-21, where he clocked 33.4. Carter, on the other hand, saw his minutes drop below 30 starting in his 13th season.
USA Today via Reuters
LeBron’s ability to stay on top year after year is even more impressive when you realize he’s always been the leader. Unlike others who start to take a step back in their career’s latter years, ‘The Chosen One’ has consistently carried the load. Even at 39, he’s still the one driving the Lakers forward, literally. He has always been the leader, never playing second fiddle to anyone.
That’s a big reason why we continue to talk about King James as one of the best in the game. His relentless work ethic and ability to maintain such a high level of play remain unmatched.
