Back in the day, LeBron James was a gigantic high school phenom, and some would say he was the greatest high school basketball player of all time.
Along the way, he met another high school star named Carmelo Anthony, and the two forged a tight friendship that has lasted to the present day.
Of course, the two fulfilled a longtime dream this season by teaming up together as members of the Los Angeles Lakers.
In 2009, Buzz Bissinger, the author of “Friday Night Lights,” wrote a biography with James that touched on his friendship with Anthony and focused on some of James’ other close friendships and how he and his buddies overcame growing up in a rough neighborhood in Akron, Ohio.
Now the book, entitled “Shooting Stars,” is being made into a film by Universal, and the initial casting decisions have been made and revealed.
Young LeBron & Melo in the upcoming movie SHOOTING STARS
LeBron: Mookie Cook
Melo: Jett Howard
Dru Joyce II: Wood Harris
Dru Joyce III: Caleb McLaughlin
Illya McGee: Algee Smith
Willie McGee: Avery Wills
Romeo: Scoot Henderson
Sian: Khalil Everage
Savannah: Katlyn Nichol pic.twitter.com/M6Ig5dSVpO— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) May 17, 2022
James’ character will be played by Marquis “Mookie” Cook. Cook is considered one of the top high school players in the class of 2023, and he has already reportedly committed to attend the University of Oregon in the fall of that year.
Meanwhile, Jett Howard, the son of former NBA player and current University of Michigan head coach Juwan Howard, will portray Anthony.
Filming is ongoing and is expected to generate $25.5 million for the local economy in Northeast Ohio, according to Cleveland.com.
“Shooting Stars” will reportedly not appear in theaters upon its release, but be made available on the Peacock streaming service.
