In the 2003 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected 18-year-old LeBron James out of St. Vincent-St. Mary high school with the No. 1 overall pick.
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That is, in his 22nd NBA season, LeBron is now questioning whether or not this was truly fate.
While appearing on Wednesday's episode of the Pat McAfee show, LeBron spoke on an array of topics, that included a possible conspiracy theory.
LeBron asked the question,"During the lottery ball drop, Cleveland got the No. 1 pick?"
LMAOOOO LEBRON SAID THEY RIGGED THE LOTTERY FOR HIM TO GET DRAFTED IN CLEVELAND 😭 pic.twitter.com/ynzKqBPcQt
— Bones🦴 (@Boness305) March 26, 2025
The 40-year-old was seemingly hinting at the fact it was in the NBA's best interest for the Cavs to get the first pick, because of the storyline of the Kid from Akron playing for his hometown team.
LeBron continued, "I just think that was... let's keep LeBron home."
The NBA Draft lottery has long been at the forefront of rumors, as LeBron pointed out many draft prospects just happened to land in the perfect places.
"Know what? Patrick Ewing to the Knicks. Derrick Rose to the Bulls. I understand the assignment, guys," LeBron said.
He then discussed his departure from Cleveland after seven seasons in a Wine & Gold uniform, while in particular pointing out his 2007 NBA Finals run.
“You look back at our roster and you’re like, ‘What the hell? How is that possible?’”
- LeBron James on leading the Cavs to the finals in 2007
(Via @PatMcAfeeShow ) pic.twitter.com/rPEAC9E3fH
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 26, 2025
"My 7 years there... I had great years," LeBron said. "I was able to take them to the Finals. I was able to take a team - you look back at the roster and say what the heck?! I maximized their potential."
“It got to the point in Cleveland where I had squeezed all the juice out of the lemon and I knew it..
I had to make a choice for my career and Miami was the best choice at that moment”@KingJames #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/uupKyc7hcj
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 26, 2025
Notably, the 2010-11 Cavs, without LeBron, finished with a 19-63 record which allowed them to get the 2011 No. 1 overall pick, Kyrie Irving.
Then in storybook fashion, the franchise also got the 2014 No. 1 pick, Andrew Wiggins, opening up the opportunity to trade for Kevin Love ahead of LeBron's return after winning two rings in Miami.
Ultimately, this led to King James coming home and leading Cleveland to a championship in 2016, ending the city's 52-year drought.
"When I was drafted I said I wanted to light this place up like Vegas. I feel like I did a decent job of that."
LeBron speaks on his rookie home debut and time in Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/pHPaUapkUe
— NBA (@NBA) November 26, 2023
Related: Inside Look Into Bronny's Draft Phone Call With Lakers GM Rob Pelinka And Head Coach JJ Redick
