LeBron: I knew Scottie Barnes 'was going to be special'

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James isn't surprised that Toronto Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes is exceeding expectations in his first NBA season.

"I saw Scottie Barnes for the first time in seventh grade, and I knew he was going to be special," James told Raptors team writer Vivek Jacob after the Lakers' 128-123 win over Toronto on Friday.

Barnes put up 31 points, 17 rebounds, and six assists against the Lakers. James, meanwhile, had 36 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.

"It may have been a surprise to some of you guys, but it's no surprise to me … it's a beautiful thing to watch," said James.

Barnes is third in rookie scoring with 15.5 points per game while adding 7.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest this season.

The 20-year-old is one of several first-year players producing at a high level this season, joining Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons as favorites for Rookie of the Year honors.