Looking at Jabari Smith Sr.'s NBA career, with both father and son having played against LeBron James

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. was one of the most heralded prospects in the 2022 NBA draft. The third overall pick has shown flashes of his talent in his rookie season and looks poised to have a long career. However, not many know that his father, Jabari Smith Sr., also had a brief stint in the NBA.

Smith Sr. was a second-round pick who was selected 45th by the Sacramento Kings in the 2000 NBA draft. Smith went on to play four seasons in the league over a five-year span between 2000 and 2005. The 6-foot-11 big man played for three different franchises -- Sacramento, Philadelphia and New Jersey. However, Smith only appeared in a total of 108 games.

He finished with averages of 3.0 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game on 41.3% shooting in just 9.8 minutes per game.

Outside of the NBA, Jabari Smith Sr. also played professionally in Spain, Turkey, Iran, and Puerto Rico.

For Smith’s full career stats, click here.

Jabari Smith Jr. tells LeBron James that his father played against him

LA Lakers star forward LeBron James and Houston Rockets' rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr.

Jabari Smith Sr.’s NBA career may have been brief, but he crossed paths with a young LeBron James in 2003. This was during James’ debut in his rookie season. This made for an entertaining moment between James and Smith Jr. during the LA Lakers versus Houston Rockets game on Monday night.

Smith Jr. made sure to share the tidbit of information with the 38-year-old Lakers star to remind him just how old he is.

“Hey, you played against my dad your first NBA game ever. Sacramento,” Smith Jr. said.

“Really? Why you do that to me?” James jokingly asked.

“You feel old, don’t you?” Smith Jr. joked back in response.

James’ then-Cleveland Cavaliers faced off against Smith Sr.'s Sacramento Kings on Oct. 29, 2003. James finished with 25 points, six rebounds, nine assists and four steals on 60.0% shooting. However, Smith Sr. didn’t end up getting any playing time in the game.

Sacramento still went on to win 106-92, spoiling James’ debut. The Kings were led by sharpshooting forward Peja Stojakovic, who put up 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals on 45.0% shooting.

Overall, Smith Sr. may not have been a big factor in James’ debut. Nonetheless, the story still represents a testament to James’ longevity over his legendary 20-year career.

For more on LeBron James’ debut game, click here.