When Deandre Ayton caught a high pass from LeBron James during Tuesday’s contest against the Los Angeles Lakers, he had a reference point from his past — dating back to when he was a 16-year-old.
James, participating in his first game of the season after being sidelined for 14 games because of a leg issue, was defending Utah Jazz player Cody Williams when he turned to his left toward the basket and threw a lob to Ayton. The 7-foot center slammed the ball through the hoop, scoring his sixth point in the game and James’ third assist.
Following the game, the 27-year-old shared that he told James, 40, an “interesting tidbit” concerning the play.
“I mentioned, ‘that’s the second time you’ve thrown me an alley-oop. The first time was when I was in the eighth grade at your camp,'” he recounted, chuckling. “So, yeah, it was a bit surreal. To see all of that come full circle was fun.”
James smiled and inquired with Ayton regarding the time of the event.
Even though this was the first instance of the two playing as NBA teammates, James had previously played with Ayton when the center was a participant at the 2014 LeBron James camp held in Las Vegas. Ayton, who completed high school in 2017, was about to begin his sophomore year.
“I have memories of the play and everything. He was moving between courts and playing alongside the campers, and I remember one particular play of him in a drill involving me,” Ayton mentioned. “And he threw the alley-oop, and I completed it. I couldn’t believe he threw it. And now here I am again, amazed that he threw the lob.”
Ayton concluded with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while James had 11 points and 12 assists as the Lakers defeated the Jazz with a score of 140-126.
