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LeBron James: Can he do a Space Jam sequel on the court?

By Ronald Agers

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on February 08, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on February 08, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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LeBron James
(Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images) – LeBron James /

Nick Anderson made the mistake of opening his mouth and Horace Grant made a spectacle

The start of the next three-peat by the Chicago Bulls started here. It’s funny how the players that started and finished this iconic play lit the fuse for Jordan dominance that has transformed into the documentary that we are all enjoying in 2020.

It’s a foregone conclusion that Jordan hated losing, but to be embarrassed was a place where all NBA foes feared to tread. Looking back, Michael Jordan was gassed and out of basketball shape. With his rhythm not at its sharpest. The unthinkable happened.

One steal from behind by Nick Anderson led to a 2-on-1 fast break with Horace Grant and Penny Hardaway against Toni Kukoc. Okay, let’s rephrase. The Magic scored an easy basket. After the game, Anderson was quoted famously.

"“No. 45 doesn’t explode like No. 23 used to,” Anderson told reporters. “No. 45 is not No. 23. I couldn’t have done that to No. 23.”"

Now in the twenty years early version of “When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong”, most knew that Jordan will use that quote for motivation. After writing a $25,000 check to the NBA to change numbers (Also read: A fine!), from 45 to 23, in Game 2, he torched the Magic for 38 points. When the Bulls lost in six games, the Magic carried Horace Grant off the floor. Another uh oh!

Tim Grover explains the aftermath in episode 7 courtesy of CBS Sports.

"“After the season, usually there’s a time period where Michael takes some time off,” Grover said. “The night they lost to Orlando, I said ‘Michael I’m about to get out of here, let me know when you want me to see you.’ He goes, ‘I’ll see you tomorrow.’ Michael had an obligation to himself, the fans, his teammates, the organization, his family, everybody. He said if you’re going to sit down and take three hours out of your day to watch me on TV, I have an obligation to give you my best all the time.”"

He did because he never lost another playoff series for the rest of his career. It was one of the lower points of Michael Jordan’s career.

Let’s talk about how this parallels with LeBron James’ career.