Nearly 20 years after LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony’s high school rivalry, their sons Bronny and Kiyan re-ignite the flame

On November 5, 2003, the front page of the sports section of the Cleveland Plain Dealer featured a vintage boxing poster design. It included dramatic stances of Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James in the same way that “Ali vs. Frazier” would have spilt across a page beneath a banner saying “Clash of the Titans.”

“Rivalry Begins Tonight!” was the slogan. James’ first home game as a Cleveland Cavalier that evening had a front-row that resembled a big heavyweight match thanks to the presence of Jay-Z, Phil Knight, and Ken Griffey Jr., the founders of Nike.

Image Credits – NBC Sports

After all these years, James and Anthony are Los Angeles Lakers‘ colleagues. Given their history together, it could appear that it was inevitable.  LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony are once again at the heart of one of the most eagerly awaited high school games in the nation, due to their sons, nearly 20 years after their historic first encounter.

Image Credits – SI

According to Samad Hines of The Grind Hoops, a matchup between Bronny James and Sierra Canyon (CA) and Kiyan Anthony and Christ the King (NY) has been planned for the following year. According to Hines, LeBron personally requested the contest, which is scheduled to occur on January 21, 2023.

According to 247Sports, Bronny, 17, who will begin his senior year in the autumn, is now a four-star prospect. Kiyan, 15, who is a brilliant student, has completed his freshman year and is now working to establish himself.

Image Credits -News Unzip

Even though neither of the young athletes has yet to play in the NBA, their legendary dads set the bar for their forthcoming battle years ago.

 

The first time LeBron and Carmelo faced off was in a primetime showdown between James’ St. Vincent-St. Mary High School and Anthony’s Oak Hill Academy in February 2002. That evening, Anthony prevailed with a 34-point, 11-rebound performance in a 72-66 victory, but James, the best prospect in the country, still managed to dazzle with 36 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Since then, the two have remained close friends.

 

When LeBron and Carmelo first faced off in high school, the two later entered the NBA as members of the highly anticipated 2003 draught class, with Anthony going No. 3 to the Nuggets and James choosing No. 1 to the Cavaliers. The former high school stars rapidly established themselves as top players in the league, competing in a time clash between James’ St. Vincent-St. Mary High School and Anthony’s Oak Hill Academy in which LeBron’s teams prevailed 30-16. That evening, Anthony prevailed with a 34-point, 11-rebound performance in a 72-66 victory, but James, the best prospect in the country, still managed to dazzle with 36 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Since then, the two have remained close friends.

 

 

More NBA news: 

Follow our NBA page for more key NBA updates and news