NBA superstar LeBron James soars for a dunk as PBA player Ranidel de Ocampo attempts a chasedown block in an exhibition game featuring former and current national team players at Mall of Asia Arena. INQUIRER PHOTO/ Sherwin Vardeleon
The King was back in Manila like he never left his throne.
Returning to the city known for its unparalleled love for hoops, LeBron James thrilled Filipino fans for the third time in five years.
“I said it two years ago that I was coming back. Last year, some unfortunate event happened but I’m back,” James told the packed crowd at Mall of Asia Arena Saturday night.
“I’m happy spending this time with you guys throughout my busy schedule, but there’s no way I wasn’t going to be back here in Manila this year and I’m happy I’m celebrating this time with you,” added the NBA superstar of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The 32-year-old James had the fans on the edge of their seats with his electrifying dunks when he entered at the five-minute mark of the exhibition game pitting the young guns of Gilas Pilipinas against the former and veteran national team players.
James, who, arguably, has been the best basketball player for the past decade, gave the fans what they were waiting for as he teamed up with the likes of Kiefer Ravena, Ray Parks and Baser Amer for the Youngbloods and left them wanting more.
The three-time NBA champion drew a thunderous roar from the crowd after shaking the rim with his patented Statue of Liberty dunk wherein his arm is stretched in the air and as far back behind his head before emphatically putting it through the hoop.
James was just warming up.
The four-time MVP delivered another one-handed throwdown, but this time, taking off farther than the first. James fittingly closed the show with a windmill to beat the final buzzer before he was mobbed by Ravena and company, who beat Jayson Castro and the rest of the OG team, 91-72.
“You guys are unbelievable and I thank you so much for being part of the LeBron James Tour 2017 and I hope you guys continue to welcome me because I would love to come back.”