WATCH: Houston Texans' C.J. Stroud Shares Special Moment With Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James
HOUSTON — Houston Texans' C.J. Stroud made it clear that his basketball days are behind him. And before the Houston Rockets' 128-94 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night, Stroud's failed First Shot attempt was the evidence.
But before Stroud missed his free throw attempt inside the Toyota Center, Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James embraced the rookie quarterback during pre-game warm-ups. Stroud revealed that James, a four-time NBA champion and All-Time Scoring leader, shared a message of respect while the two respective parties embraced.
"LeBron is somebody I’ve been looking up to," Stroud said. "He’s been doing it for so long ever since I’ve been a kid...The businessman he is, the leader he is, he takes a stand for things publicly. Not only just a Black athlete I can look up to, but an athlete in general. Nothing but respect for him."
Stroud used to play basketball before turning his full attention to football. He played during his high school days at Rancho Cucamonga High School, where his team failed short of the state championship game.
Kobe Bryant was one of Stroud's two favorite players growing up while cheering for the Lakers. He grew a love for Bryant as someone who brought multiple championships and excitement to his hometown.
Although Stroud fell short of the national championship, James had a similar experience watching Stroud from afar as the starting quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
"The Ohio State connection; I love it," James said. "I watch all former Ohio State Buckeyes. He’s impressive. He’s definitely offensive rookie of the year, as it stands right now. Very impressive, very poised and a franchise quarterback"
Stroud is part of a football locker room that gets into several basketball debates and is prepared to receive backlash for missing the shot. But he doesn't care what his teammates think of him missing the ceremonial first shot. All that matters to Stroud is the love and respect of his teammates on the field.
It's an admiration that grew after Stroud led the Texans to an improbable comeback victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday. He set a rookie record for most passing yards in a game, finishing with 470 yards while completing 30-of-42 pass attempts. He also threw five touchdowns without tossing an interception.
With 46 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Stroud led the Texans on a 75-yard drive that ended with a game-winning touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Tank Dell.
"Basketball players want to be football players, and football players want to be basketball players and we all want to play baseball," Stroud said. "We all got respect for each other, so it’s cool to get some love from the basketball guys and guys in the NBA. It’s a blessing."
