Before he was an NBA champion, Jayson Tatum was just a fan.

An admirer, from afar, of LeBron James.

Like so many kids across the world, a young Tatum dreamed of meeting The King and getting his autograph.

But when that actually happened for Tatum, a dream scenario became a worst-case outcome.

“He kind of told me no,” Tatum revealed.

It was even tougher than that.

As Tatum signed basketballs while Team USA prepared for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, he revealed that he requested James’ signature as an 11-year-old.

Larry Hughes was James’ teammate on the Cleveland Cavaliers and the best friend of Tatum’s dad.

Tatum’s mother took him to a Memphis Grizzlies vs Cavs game.

Tatum told a story James still didn’t knowCredit: x@nba

James was stunned when he heard what happenedCredit: x@nba

Tatum is now Team USA teammates with The KingCredit: x@nba

When Tatum found James and approached him, a dream played out in his head.

“I wanted to meet LeBron,” Tatum said. “I wanted to get a picture with him and his autograph.”

Then it was ruined.

“There was a lot of people back there,” Tatum said. “He was like, ‘I’m out. I gotta go.’ “

From there, it only got worse for the 11-year-old who eventually won the NBA Finals with the Boston Celtics and became emotional.

“I got in the car and started crying,” Tatum said.

Fifteen years later, Tatum and James are paired up on Team USA and will try to win gold in Paris.

When James finally learned about Tatum’s crying autograph story, The King joked that Tatum already had payback.

“That’s why you dunked on me in the conference finals,” James joked.

Tatum can now get James’ autograph whenever he wants.

And in some ways, the Celtics star has surpassed James in the NBA.

“We cool now,” Tatum said.

Tatum and James are set to play Team USA Olympic exhibition games at the 02 in London on Saturday and Monday.