Delonte West recounts early recruiting pitch from LeBron James in Cleveland

Delonte West recently shared that LeBron James approached him about joining the Cleveland Cavaliers during an early-season game in Seattle. James, then in his first stint with Cleveland, reportedly asked West to play for the team after following his college career at Saint Joseph’s. The conversation occurred months before the Cavaliers acquired West, Wally Szczerbiak, Ben Wallace, and Joe Smith in a three-team trade on February 21, 2008. After the trade, West started all 26 games he appeared in for the Cavaliers, recording averages of 10.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. This incident is now being cited as an early example of James influencing team roster decisions, a role that eventually led to the "LeGM" label. While James did not control the front office, the exchange demonstrates his long-standing habit of identifying and recruiting potential teammates to improve the roster.

• 10:18 PMYahoo Sports — LeBron James Made A Bold Move Before ‘LeGM’ Was Even A Thing