“Nice Shoes”: Wortho Recalls Battling LeBron

Four-time All-NBL First Team member Mark Worthington has reminisced on the first time he played against LeBron James at the 2006 FIBA World Championships.

Speaking on the NBL Rewind podcast, Worthington explained how he wanted to make a statement to James before the game even started. However, the four-time NBA MVP was having none of it and used it as motivation on the very first play of the game.  

“It was my first time playing against LeBron. Jump ball, just wanted to let him know I didn’t care who he was and as the ball was up in the air I decided to step on his foot and give him a little elbow just to let him know I was there,” Worthington said.

“Firstly, it hurt my elbow more than it hurt him. Secondly, he sort of smiled at me and said mouse in the house straight away, which I was like, it’s really funny they would call a first play mouse in the house but you know, whatever play Coach K had drew up, he scrapped that at the jump ball.

“As he is walking down to the post he just said, nice shoes. So, I looked down and realised I had worn LeBron’s, which is not a wise choice to make.

“Once he called for the ball in the post, I sort of knew he was posting up on the left block because that was his favourite block, and I knew he was going to do his one dribble shoulder fake, try lean in and go for his fade.”

Despite having the move well scouted, Worthington marvelled at James’ ability to adjust mid-play and still generate a basket for his team.

“So here he comes, he comes to the left block, so I was like tick, I’ve got that part right,” Worthington said.

“I’m like, alright he is going to take one dribble and do a shoulder fake. Tick, I’ve got that part right.

“What I didn’t account for was how hard he was going to throw the elbow back at me. As he has gone to make space, as I’m still standing upright, my soul is now on the baseline near the rim.

“He goes up for his shot and I remember putting my hand on top of the ball and thinking in my mind, my goodness, I’m about to block LeBron, while being winded on the first play of the game.

“As he goes up, he is that strong, he realises that he is not getting the ball over me, so then he flicks it with his left hand and hits Shane Battier in the corner for a three to start the game.

“I’m just like, there’s probably a reason why he is the best in the world.”

The USA ended up defeating Australia in that match, which was the Round of 16 game at the 2006 World Championships, 113-73. James and Worthington both finished with five points.

Listen to the NBL Rewind podcast every Thursday night from 6:30pm AEST. Each week, Cam Luke and Liam Santamaria are joined by a special guest to relive some of the greatest moments in NBL history. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. 

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