Former NBA forward Michael Beasley enjoyed an 11-season career in the league, playing for several teams, including the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers. Beasley, who was the second overall selection in the 2008 NBA Draft, recently shared a funny draft night memory involving the iconic LeBron James.
Throughout his 11-year NBA tenure, Beasley suited up for the Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, and New York Knicks before finishing his career with the Lakers in the 2018-19 season. He went head-to-head with basketball legends such as Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant while also having the opportunity to play alongside LeBron James in both Miami and Los Angeles.
During a discussion on the Big3 podcast, Beasley reminisced about a humorous moment from his draft night tied to the 40-year-old superstar. “I was 19… He came to me and said, ‘Are you ready?’ My exact words were, ‘Are YOU ready?’ He looked me up and down and walked away,” Beasley recounted.
Michael Beasley on meeting LeBron James at his Draft Party in 2008:⁰
“I was 19… He came to me and said, ‘Are you ready?’ My exact words were, ‘Are YOU ready?’ He looked me up and down and walked away.” 😂They later spoke about it.⁰“Bron’s one of the best people ever. After… pic.twitter.com/foWZjLnCpE
— Heat Diehards (@HeatDiehards) August 7, 2025
Beasley noted that they eventually discussed the incident, praising James for his character. “Bron’s one of the best people ever… After every season for three years, he’d call me over to his house and just gift me his shoes,” he shared.
Michael Beasley Perfectly Explains Why LeBron James Is The GOAT
On a recent episode of the Common Denominator podcast, Beasley weighed in on the debate about the greatest of all time (GOAT) between Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Without hesitation, he sided with his former teammate and elaborated on his reasoning.
“I start with the one everybody knows: the points, the longevity, all that,” Beasley explained. “With Jordan, people overlook the negative aspects, the playoff failures, and the fact that he actively sought out Dennis Rodman, who was already a two-time champion.”
The Los Angeles Lakers star is preparing for his 23rd NBA season, aiming to lead the purple and gold franchise on a deep playoff journey. Following a first-round exit, it will be intriguing to see how far the Lakers can progress in the upcoming season.
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