Why is LeBron James playing in the Drew League?
The LA Lakers star will compete in the well-known Drew League, where more players from the highest American competition participate.
LeBron James will reportedly compete in the Drew League on Saturday night, the summer basketball league that combines professional and amateur players. As such, the Lakers star will play a summer tournament for the first time since 2011, according to Chris Haynes, a journalist from ESPN.
LeBron, 37, is embarking on one of the key seasons in his career, his 20th since he was drafted into the NBA as the number 1 overall pick in 2003 by the Cleveland Cavaliers. With the Lakers under the spotlight after a disappointing season, the franchise is looking to the Ohio-born player to show his leadership skills and lead the team that won the the NBA Championship in 2020 back to glory.
That is why, to considerable surprise, he wants to start picking up the pace even before preseason begins. Not since 2011, when the famous lockout stopped NBA action for several months, has James risked playing this type of competition but Saturday will be an exception.
DeRozan and James to play in Drew League
The Drew League, for its part, regularly brings together familiar faces from the NBA, as well as American celebrities. Now it will have one of the best players in history on its courts.
LeBron will not be alone after Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan announced his participation in the tournament, which will be held in Los Angeles near Compton, DeRozan’s hometown.