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Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is full of admiration for Zaila Avant-garde, who recently had the internet buzzing not only because of her win in the 2021 Scripps Spelling Bee but also because of her nasty handles.
During the premiere of “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” the Lakers star was asked about Avant-garde, her career as a hooper, and her historic feat as the first African-American to win the national Spelling Bee competition. Obviously, James has heard a lot about the talented 14-year-old whom he called a “queen.”
“She's a queen,” LeBron said of Avant-garde, per AP Entertainment.
As for his advice to the youngster, LeBron kept it simple and powerful: “Don't ever let anyone tell that you're not. Continue to reach for the stars and even beyond.”
For what it's worth, the Lakers leader also shared how impressed he is of Zaila, especially since she is a basketball player first and foremost aside from being a Spelling Queen Bee.
“She said doing the Spelling Bee was something she's doing [on the] side, but she's really a hooper and I love that. Respect,” the 36-year-old NBA superstar added.
"She's a queen." At the "Space Jam: A New Legacy" premiere, LeBron James (@KingJames) had high praise for National Spelling Bee champion — and middle school basketball star — Zaila Avant-garde (@basketballasart). pic.twitter.com/8lWOWx6enJ
— AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) July 13, 2021
LeBron James is definitely spot-on in calling Zaila Avant-garde a queen. After all, she is a true game-changer that deserves all the respect, accolades and acknowledgement she has received. Aside from being a spelling champ, the teenager is also a Guinness World Record holder of three titles. Oh, and she has already appeared in a commercial with Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry!
Steph himself has also sent a message to Zaila after her Spelling Bee win, encouraging her to “keep changing the game” in more ways than one.
Some facts about Zaila Avant-garde:
◻️ 2021 Scripps Spelling Bee champ
◻️ Appeared in a commercial with Steph Curry
◻️ Holds three Guinness World records for dribbling multiple basketballs simultaneously🎥 @espnWpic.twitter.com/hciX00BwKG
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 9, 2021
As the Lakers icon said it, nothing but respect for Zaila and her accomplishments. Hopefully, she and LeBron can work on a project in a future that will empower a lot of people.
