LeBron Reflects on Iconic White Suit from 2003 NBA Draft Night and More in New Video

Ahead of the 2026 NBA draft on Tuesday night, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James reminisced about his experience from over two decades ago.

James, who was the No. 1 pick in the iconic 2003 draft, discussed his perspective from that night during the latest episode of the Mind the Game podcast alongside co-host Steve Nash. Of course, James had to touch on his all-white draft day suit that remains one of the most memorable outfits in the history of the annual event.

"There's nothing that you can explain right now that'd be comparable to what I wore in my draft 23 years ago," James said with a laugh (2:15 mark). "It won't leave me, it's like Casper the Friendly Ghost, it just never leaves me. Around this time, the draft comes up, the first thing that comes up: LeBron's draft day suit."

James went on to reveal that he lost his suit jacket when the late former NBA commissioner David Stern tried it on backstage.

"Him trying on my jacket in the back, literally, it just got lost right away," James said.

James also reflected on the massive support he had from his hometown on the night of the 2003 draft, saying it seemed like "the whole city of Akron made their way to New York City, either by planes, trains, automobiles, walking, everybody." The drive from Akron to New York City is eight hours, and he had multiple family members and friends make the trek to watch him get picked first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Looking back, the 41-year-old went on to reveal that his draft night experience actually wasn't enjoyable.

"It was a lot. I didn't have a great time," James said. "I was happy as hell, it was a beautiful moment. We celebrated a little bit after the draft, but it was a lot. It was a lot."