A lot has changed since LeBron James made his NBA All-Star Game debut in 2005. Back then, he was less king and more kid. There had yet to be a “Decision,” and “The Return” was still to come, but there were glimpses of what the future held—hints at James’ transcendence, as in, his ability to reach beyond the sport and form a movement. We saw it then, mostly in flashes, but it was enough.
Now, in preparation for his 13th All-Star Game appearance, things are different. His game has evolved; it’s no longer rooted in explosiveness, though that’s still a part of it. There’s now the perfect reading of the defense, the passes that sneak through impossible openings, and the lockdown D. He’s a man now. He’s still doing amazing things—we’ve just come to expect it. As witnesses, we watch on. So as LBJ ascends on Zoom City, here are LeBron James’ Most Jaw-Dropping NBA All-Star Game Plays.
The Pass
First MVP
The Reverse
Year: 2007
Location: Las Vegas
Chris Bosh gathers a missed shot, take a few dribbles, and then heaves an outlet pass down court. James, sprinting full tilt, catches the pass in stride, taking one more dribble before launching himself upwards just outside the restricted area. There’s enough distance between the basket for his body to go full reverse, and with his shoulders at the rim, he reaches back overhead with both hands and spikes the ball through, making the impossible seem routine.