Guarding LeBron James is no small feat, even for seasoned veterans, let alone a rookie. Yet, that was the daunting task assigned to Davon Reed during his inaugural season in the NBA after being drafted 32nd overall by the Phoenix Suns in 2017. Fresh from the Northern Arizona Suns, their G-League affiliate, Reed faced a rude awakening when he was called up to guard The King.
“My rookie year, I wasn’t playing much at all,” Reed recalled. “Then, out of nowhere, they said, ‘Go check Bron.’ I was thrown right into the fire.”
Despite showing promise in the G-League, Reed quickly realized he was not yet ready to contain LeBron’s prowess. In his first NBA game, he found himself repeatedly overpowered, with LeBron exploiting every weakness. “He took me to the post or blew by me each time. I was left scrambling while he scored with ease,” Reed lamented.
As LeBron scored and drew fouls, Reed was swiftly subbed out, only getting four minutes in his next game.
However, the narrative changed four years later when Reed had his chance for redemption. In a regular-season clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets, Reed faced LeBron again. “I had been waiting for that moment,” he shared. “LeBron killed me my rookie year. I had to get my revenge.”
This time, Reed successfully clamped down on LeBron, showcasing his growth and determination since that rookie year. His journey reflects the resilience of a player who refused to back down, proving that every setback can lead to a stronger comeback
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