Associated Press
CLEVELAND ó Tick … Tick … Tick … LeBron James is set to appear on TV’s most famous stopwatch.
Cleveland’s superstar will be profiled on CBS’ “60 Minutes” this Sunday in an interview he did a few months ago. The 24-year-old, who has led the Cavaliers to the NBA’s best record, sat down for the one-on-one with show contributor Steve Kroft.
The magazine show spent time at one of James’ practices and filmed him at his Akron high school, as well as at a concert for President Barack Obama he hosted at Quicken Loans Arena with rapper and close friend Jay-Z.
James’ mother, Gloria, is also interviewed.
During the interview, James returns to St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, his alma mater, where he first broke onto the national stage.
“A lot of memories here,” James says, holding a basketball.
As a 17-year-old junior in 2002, James appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated and only now understands the significance.
“I just thought it was just another sports magazine,” he tells Kroft. “They want a sports figure, a guy that can play basketball on the cover. I didn’t know how big Sports Illustrated was.”
Before leaving the court, Kroft turns to James and asks, “Are you going to do anything with this (ball)?”
“Who me?” says James, who then takes one dribble and almost effortlessly flips the ball into the basket underhanded from 60 feet.
“How many times can you do that in a row?” a stunned Kroft says as James walks off laughing.
“I’m one take, baby, that’s all. I’m just one take,”