Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is in awe after watching Emoni Bates exploded for Eastern Michigan basketball on Tuesday against Toledo basketball.
Bates absolutely dominated in the first half, dropping 29 straight points to keep the Eastern Michigan Eagles in control in their showdown with the Toledo Rockets. He was absolutely unstoppable, scoring in a variety of ways, from dunks, to layups and even to long-range shots–his full package of arsenal was in full display.
James saw how the youngster tormented his opponents, and the Lakers forward was hyped up about it. On Twitter, James shared a video of Bates' highlights from the first half alone and called him a “straight killer.”
MY GOODNESS!!!!! STRAIGHT KILLER!! THAT'S INSANE https://t.co/z5AyDKJyj2
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 25, 2023
Emoni Bates isn't projected to be a lottery pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, with several mock drafts and analysts putting him as a late-first to mid-second round pick. After that performance for Eastern Michigan basketball, however, he could very well see his draft stock rise.
Bates has always been known to be an excellent scorer, but his athleticism and lack of length have always been major concerns. Clearly, though, the young guard is a competitor and attacks the rim relentlessly with his scorer's mentality.
Considering how he's playing, it's not hard to see a team taking a gamble on him to see what he can do in the NBA level.
As for LeBron James, it's safe to say he'll have his eyes on Bates as he tries to make it to the NBA.
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