By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. Every so often there is a star born in the world of American sports. Whether or not he can jump high, run fast, or throw far, matched with his or her mass appeal tends to determine the difference between good, great, and superstardom. As of late there's a New "King" on the Block by the name of LeBron James. Although he's only 21 years old he's consistently proving his critics wrong. They thought he was receiving too much hype out of high school and he responded in his first NBA season averaging 20 points 5 rebounds and 5 assists. In his second season many felt as if his jump shot didn't exist. In his third season he responded by shooting 48% from the field, averaging 31 points a game (3rd behind Bryant, 35 ppg/ Iverson, 33 ppg). The critics didn't stop there, late in the regular season many people doubted James' ability to become a "clutch" player when the team needed him most. He responded by winning two games in the final seconds, not to mention two games in the first round of his first career playoff series. As of late Nike, who signed LeBron to a $90 million deal, launched a new ad campaign titled "We Are All Witnesses". Witness to what you ask well, I recently visited King James' Witness Protection Program, to speak with Nike and James' key witness... Q: So when did you become a witness? A: "See I grew up in Chicago so during the late '80's early '90's I had the chance to witness the G.O.A.T. win 6 NBA Championships, the original #23. Q: Sure, but what have you come to witness, now? A: Before you jump to conclusions, understand one thing I am the original witness. Q: What? A: Many people have jumped on the "King's" bandwagon once he hit two game-winning shots versus the Wizards in the first round of the playoffs but I was there for his National TV debut, when he played against Oak Hill Academy (#1 Nationally Ranked) on ESPN 2. Dick Vitale and Bill Walton did the commentating, 1.67 million homes tuned in, and 12,000 people packed the Cleveland State Convocation Center. It was amazing! Q: Well what did you witness? A: Oak Hill Academy came into the game as the best team in the nation. But St. Vincent/ St. Mary was equipped with the best 16-year-old in the World. Many anticipated watching James make a few magnificent plays that would lead off on the 11 o'clock Sports Center but he did more than that. LeBron lead the Fighting Irish to a 65-45 victory over the nation's top ranked team, pouring in 31 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists. Watching him fly through the air, scoring and rebounding reminded me of a young MJ (Jordan). Q: Wow, that's a bold statement but what about the NBA version of King James? A: Yeah, what about 'em? Q: I mean those guys he played against in high school were just that. So what did you witness during his rookie season? A: Oh I see now you're hatin' but let's continue...In his NBA debut LeBron James known to many as King James, officially kicked off his career by facing the other Kings, Sacramento. At the time Sac was still a Western Conference powerhouse so many thought it may be interesting to watch but LeBron would probably fail... Q: Sorry if you think I'm "Hatin" but they did lose the game correct? A: Yeah they (Cavs) lost but LeBron silenced critics like you and showed the world that he truly is the chosen one. He shocked the NBA world by scoring 25 points 9 assists 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. If that's not amazing then I don't know what is? Q: True, but many felt as if Carmelo Anthony and Dwayne Wade were just as good if not better than James what do you have to say about that? A: First of all I find it amazing that people continue to compare a "Kid" that never attended college to guys that won a National title, and reached the final four, while LeBron was just winning High School State Championships.... Q: Nevertheless they entered the NBA in the same draft so they will forever be compared, so what do you think Mr. #1 Witness? A: First of all I'm not on trial yet, so back off. But here it is; James has played with a lot less talent surrounding him than Anthony and Wade. Sure Anthony is a very good player but he has options like Andre Miller to bring the ball up, Martin and Camby are there to rebound and defend, whereas 'Melo can chill and score. As for Wade not only does he have the most dominant teammate ever (Shaq) but also he did not enter the NBA with nearly as much hype as the two. As a result he had the ability to make a smoother transition than James. Q: I can understand your argument but what about the fans Wade sold the most jerseys this season? A: Yeah Wade sold more jerseys but that's because everyone already has LeBron jersey. As a matter of fact LeBron led the East in All-Star votes (over 2 million) and he received over a million more votes than Wade. And Anthony didn't even make the game.... At the age of 20 LeBron debut in his first game by dropping a friendly 13 points 8 rebounds and 6 assists. I asked him why did he pass so much and he said "My time in these games will come." The following year he became the youngest player (21) to win All-Star MVP, with 29 points and 6 rebounds. Q: All of the All-Star stats are cute but Wade and Anthony has made it to the postseason in each of their first three seasons, to LeBron's one so what do you have to say about that? A: Didn't the "King" prove that it was worth the wait? I mean in his first playoff game he abused the wizards wit 32 points 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Q: Yeah, but the next game he nearly had a second triple-double with 26 points 9 rebounds and 10 turnovers. Some King? A: Yeah but professionals built the "Titanic"! At any rate, that's cool but he responded by winning two games hitting clutch baskets and clinching his first playoff series by finding the open Damon Jones, which further backs his greatness. Q: I know that you feel that he is "NEXT" but when MJ (Magic Johnson) was in his first playoff series he guided his team to a Championship, whereas James has hit the wall known as the Detroit Pistons, so what do you think about that? A: Are you blind, or just stupid? I know I'm not the only witness out here! Sure he ran into the "best" defense in the league versus the Pistons, and he has picked Detroit apart. In game 2 he had 30 points 14 rebounds and 7 assists... Q: Yeah but they lost? A: Hey man don't cut me off! Sure they lost but he dropped 21/10/10 in game 3 followed by 22/9/8 in game 4 both Cavalier victories. Q: Since you seem to back Nike's "Witness" campaign explain one thing for me, What exactly are we witnessing? A: As LeBron James bares the number 23 many tend to compare him to M.J. (Michael Jordan), but James was the first player in his playoff debut to finish with a triple-double since the other M.J. (Magic Johnson '80). So, regardless of which M.J. that one may compare him to, its evident that regardless of sex, age, race, religion, or fan "We Are All Witnesses" to the birth of "L.J." known to many as "King James."