As summer rolls in, the basketball recruiting circuit heats up. One of the most anticipated events each year is the Nike EYBL Peach Jam tournament, taking place this year in South Carolina from July 13–20. Dubbed as a national amateur basketball recruiting showcase, the Peach Jam draws some of the best high school basketball talents from across the country.
While LeBron James never played in the tournament, he’s left his mark on it, especially as a coach for his son, Bryce James. In the 2023 edition of the Peach Jam, LeBron coached while Cooper Flagg, the Duke standout and projected top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, showcased his talent.
A resurfaced video posted by NBA Future Starts Now highlights a memorable moment between LeBron and Flagg during the tournament:
"LEBRON JAMES x COOPER FLAGG. Throwback to this moment at 2023 Peach Jam!"
The clip quickly went viral and drew major reactions online.
This fan declared boldly: "The greatest to ever do it."
A hopeful Laker supporter added: "flagg for reeves 2026."
An excited fan chimed in: "LEBRON IS MY GOAT."
This commenter exclaimed: "big dawgs."
"Interesting," said someone else.
"Big Throwback," mentioned this fan.
Former Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2).
Former Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2)
© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Flagg’s performance at the 2023 Peach Jam backed up the hype. In one game, he dropped 38 points with 16 rebounds and 12 blocks. In another, he put up 37 points, 12 rebounds and 10 blocks. The showing helped cement his decision to reclassify from the Class of 2025 to 2024 and enroll early at Duke.
Even NBA superstar Kevin Durant took notice. Speaking to the media following the event, Durant said:
“He looked like a [expletive] of a player. Like somebody that's just going to only get better with more experience. He's 17 years old, coming in here playing like he's a vet almost. No emotion. Just going out there and doing his job. And that's a good sign.”
Looking ahead to this year’s Peach Jam, the field is again loaded with elite talent. Big names like AJ Dybantsa, Darius Acuff and twins Cameron and Cayden Boozer are among the prospects expected to shine.
As for Flagg and LeBron James, don’t expect that video to be the last time the two cross paths. Once the 2025 NBA Draft wraps up, the next chapter begins. The buzz will quickly shift to their first meeting during the NBA season, a moment many fans are already marking on the calendar.