With LeBron James still playing at an MVP level for the Los Angeles Lakers in his 18th season, it’s easy to forget that he was once a 19-year-old rookie who joined the NBA as one of the most hyped prospects of all time.
Despite averaging 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.6 steals for the year, James was not named an All-Star in 2004. He did, however, play in the Rising Stars game. The format has since changed, but in 2004 the NBA pitted the top rookies against the top second-year players. All-Star Weekend that year took place at Staples Center in Los Angeles, giving the eventual Lakers star his first taste of the city.