Each player aims to make his name on the walls of NBA history. So did Lenny Cooke who was apparently ranked better than LeBron James. However, fate had some other plans for him.
Cooke turned heads at La Salle Academy by averaging 30 points and 15 rebounds in his sophomore year. Furthermore, in his final year, he ended up outshining LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, by securing the #1 ranking.
His path crossed with LeBron at the ABCD Camp, where his previous MVP win had set high expectations. However, in an important game, LeBron stole the spotlight and put on Cooke’s entry into NBA under suspect. Furthermore, Cooke’s senior year was cut short due to age restrictions, and he faced a pivotal choice – college or the NBA.
Instead of taking the old traditional route into the NBA. Cooke decided to make his debut straight out of high school. Upon entering he found himself undrafted and so decided to move ahead as a free agent.
His potential was overshadowed by his attitude, and Cooke faced struggles in various leagues. Thereby never securing a spot in the NBA. A fleeting chance with the Boston Celtics’ Summer League team ended without securing a permanent roster spot.
How was LeBron James’ relationship with Lenny Cooke?
LeBron James’ story in the NBA is completely opposite to what Cooke’s was. His performance in his high school career led him to a spot as the first pick of the NBA draft in 2003. Multiple championships and MVP titles later, LeBron carved his legacy as one of basketball’s greatest.
In a turn of events, Cooke made a shocking revelation on the Flip Da Script podcast. He candidly expressed, that he hated LeBron James for over two decades. “I hated LeBron James for 20 years” he stated.
However, his daughter recognized Cooke from an old clip and told him that he was far better than LeBron. Upon hearing his daughter’s opinion and remarks about his performance, he let go of the resentment that he held all the years.
Furthermore, fans got to know that Kobe Bryant who was mentoring the ABC camp gave a piece of important advice. He firmly conveyed that the rising players should focus on hard work rather than partying.
Cooke overlooked Bryant’s advice as well as advice from close ones to not go for the 2003 NBA draft. As a result of his choices, the promising talent’s story turned out different than what was expected. Additionally, his attitude made things worse for his journey in basketball.