Veteran Sacramento Kings center JaVale McGee threw down a spectacular dunk to his former Los Angeles Lakers teammate LeBron James.
Late in the first quarter of the Kings' game against the Lakers, McGee picked up the ball after receiving an in-bounds pass from teammate De'Aaron Fox. McGee first made a fake at the top of the arc. Then he broke past Lakers backup big man Jackson Hayes and broke right to the basket.
James came over to help rebound McGee's dunk, however it was too late. McGee eluded the Lakers' superstar forward in mid-air and proceeded to finish with a one-handed drive to help put the Kings up by 13 points.
McGee says Kings best fit for him as free agent
JaVale McGee is playing for a ninth different team in his 16th season after signing with the Sacramento Kings in the offseason. McGee signed a one-year, $3.2 million contract with the Kings as a backup center.
According to the experienced big man, Sacramento was the best fit for him:
"Whenever I'm a free agent, I usually look around and see what fits me best. Out of all the teams and the backup role that Mike Brown wants me to have, this is the best fit for me and where I think I can be successful," McGee told NBC Sports California's Kyle Draper.
McGee emphasized the Kings' fast-paced style of play and how they utilize their centers as the main reason he joined the team:
"Their speed and tempo is amazing," McGee said.
"From a selfish standpoint, they play big games a lot. They play center a lot. On all the teams I've played on, I've had the opportunity to control the ball and have success not only in scoring, but in organizing the offense.
"So when the opportunity came here, that was one of the most important things, and I thought, 'Well, I can definitely flourish and be successful in their system'."
McGee brings championship experience to Sacramento
Last season, the Sacramento Kings ranked first in the league in offensive efficiency (118.6). However, the team lacked defense all year, including rebound protection. This included the 2023 playoffs, where the Kings lost a heartbreaker to the Golden State Warriors, 4-3, in the first round.
As a result, McKibben should have the opportunity to provide rebounding protection and an aerial threat for the Kings this season. Likewise, the three-time champion will bring some much-needed championship experience to the Sacramento Kings.
In his first two games with the Sacramento Kings, McKie has averaged 7.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 0.5 caps per game while shooting 70.0 percent from the field.
