It's no secret that Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is nicknamed The King. He even refers to it himself. Which doesn't sit well with some of his haters. And by some, we mean millions of them.

Many LeBron naysayers have claimed that LBJ christened himself The King, and it's almost a mortal sin to give yourself a nickname. His close friend Randy Mims, however, recalled the true origin of LeBron's The King nickname in a new episode of More Than An Athlete (via UNINTERRUPTED).

As Mims shared, it was pretty evident to everyone even during LeBron's high school days with St. Vincent-St. Mary that he would someday make the NBA his dominion. His high school career was highly documented, even famously broadcasted nationwide on ESPN, which was unheard of during those days.

Many have also credited LeBron for knowing how to handle the massive spotlight at an early age, displaying composure and savviness that even longtime NBA players have struggled with.

LeBron clearly embraced being The King when he stepped foot on the NBA and continued to do so as he enters his 18th year. He once again recently sent a bold message to critics after he got zero votes on ESPN's poll as best NBA player. As he has done in the past, he sarcastically referred to himself as “Washed King,” mocking his haters.

From his freshman year in high school to his twilight years in the NBA, LeBron James has been under immense pressure, but he has repeatedly proved that he can reign over anyone.