LeBron James is treating his appearance on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” season premiere like a fast break.
James is practicing this week with his new teammates at “SNL,” where he’ll become the latest superstar to host the show.
The 22-year-old’s humorous Nike ads, in which he plays four versions of himself, and his co-hosting performance at the ESPYs made Lorne Michaels believe James would do well on the show.
James got his lines Wednesday and did a read-through Thursday, leading Michaels to believe “The Chosen One” might have another natural gift.
James follows in the footsteps of his boyhood idol, Michael Jordan, who hosted the 1991 season premiere. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning appeared on the show last season, and other stars such as Joe Montana and Wayne Gretzky have had memorable performances.
Michaels said he believes athletes have been successful on the show because they’re fearless.
James, who says he doesn’t get nervous for big games, is treating the show no differently and said collaborating with the writers and actors has made him comfortable with the sketches.
When James co-hosted the ESPYs with Jimmy Kimmel, he appeared in several skits, danced and sang a version of Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative” with rewritten lyrics about his own fame.
He wouldn’t say whether he has another song and dance routine planned for this weekend’s show, which also features Kanye West.
