Smush Parker, a former NBA player who shared the court with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal during their time with the Los Angeles Lakers, recently made a bold statement about Michael Beasley’s high school basketball career.
A Tweet read,
“Smush Parker says Michael Beasley in high school was the closest thing he’s ever seen to high school LeBron “I did see somebody just like that in high school and his name was Michael Beasley. Michael Beasley was just like LeBron James in high school.” ”
Smush Parker says Michael Beasley in high school was the closest thing he’s ever seen to high school LeBron
“I did see somebody just like that in high school and his name was Michael Beasley. Michael Beasley was just like LeBron James in high school.”
(Via @ScoopB) pic.twitter.com/BIlYPS2wAx
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 8, 2024
Smush Parker’s Perspective
Smush Parker, who played in the NBA from 2002 to 2008, including stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat, shared his thoughts on Beasley’s high school career. According to Parker, Beasley’s combination of size, athleticism, and scoring ability reminded him of a young LeBron James. Parker’s experience playing against both Beasley in high school and LeBron in the NBA gives his comparison significant weight.
Michael Beasley’s High School Career
Michael Beasley attended six different high schools due to his family’s frequent relocations. Despite the constant changes, Beasley made a significant impact at each stop. In his senior year at Notre Dame Preparatory School, Beasley averaged 28 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 4.5 blocks per game. He also had a memorable 64-point game during that season. Beasley’s high school career was filled with accolades, including being named the Big 12 Player of the Year during his freshman year at Kansas State.
LeBron James’ High School Career
LeBron James, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, also had an impressive high school career at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio.James averaged 31 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game during his senior year. His high school achievements, including leading his team to three state championships, foreshadowed his future success in the NBA.
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