After clinching his inaugural NBA Championship against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night, Jayson Tatum, the standout of the Boston Celtics, found an unexpected blast from the past on social media. The unearthed gem was a decade-old post where a young Tatum eagerly sought a ‘follow back’ from LeBron James, then in his Miami Heat prime.

Fast-forward twelve years: James, now revered as one of basketball’s all-time greats, nears the twilight of his NBA journey. Meanwhile, Tatum has risen as one of the league’s fresh icons, a mantle James has proudly worn for two decades.

The original tweet, dated April 13, 2012, captured a youthful Tatum’s earnest plea: “Follow back it’s Larry Hughes nephew from St. Louis and Abe and RJ’s lil cousin and Justin’s son. Follow Back.” Hughes, who teamed with James on the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005 to 2008, was among the first NBA veterans to impart wisdom on the now four-time NBA Champion.

Tatum’s ascent began at Chaminade High School in St. Louis before a standout year under Mike Krzyzewski at Duke University. James, the top pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, laid the foundation for Tatum, chosen third overall by the Boston Celtics fourteen years later.

Their NBA paths have crossed multiple times, but this summer marks a first as teammates in a competitive setting. Both were selected for the American Olympic team set to vie for gold at the 2024 Games in Paris.