LeBron James made half of Cleveland gasp when he said that he probably would have been a great professional football player.

He told the US media on Tuesday: "If I put all my time and commitment into it, if I dedicated myself to the game of football, I could be really good no matter what team I was on."

Thierry Henry's handball against France made Alex Ferguson think that that Mr "Va Va Voom" would have had quite a good career on the NBA court. Here are his thoughts on other sportsmen who could do well in other sports...

Manny Ramirez (Twenty20 cricket, batsman)

He tried cricket in a sponsored effort a few months ago (well, eight balls, actually), and he seemed to enjoy himself. Get this - Manny Ramirez is the best hitter in baseball, and it should be fun for a man with dreadlocks hammering sixes. After all, if he can hit a ball 400ft on the full like he does in baseball, can anyone imagine the damage he could do in a Twenty20 game? Oh, and he's got a pretty good arm too, making him more talented than a cricketing 'fielders' we've seen.

Manny concerns: Ramirez would strike fear into most bowlers

Shaquille O'Neal (NFL, offensive linesman)

At 7ft 1in and a beast at 147kgs, he'd be one of the best linemen in the game. The only way you'd be able to stop him - if you're an offensive linesman - would be to chop block or hold. Result? Ten yards each time. Unfortunately, the team would have to pay extra for mega-size uniforms and would have to substitute him every five minutes because he's not as quick as he was, but hey!

Devin Hester (Athletics, sprinter)

First of all, we know that no-one's in Usain Bolt's league today. But we'd bet that Chicago Bears speedster Devin Hester, if he opted to 'run track' instead of turning running back kick-offs into a spectator sport (remember his Super Bowl run), would be ferociously quick. He'd probably outpace most whippersnappers when he retires, too.

Chad Ochocinco (Football/Rugby, winger)

Having had many-a-conversation with the Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver about his 'soccer' skills, Chad Ochocinco (or Johnson, as his mother probably calls him!) thinks he could make it. He's quick, deft-footed and has kicked a field goal in the NFL. But saying that, he can also take a hit and is faster than most wingers in the world. Who says he can't be a good rugby player, too?

Jimmie Johnson (Formula One driver)

You can be as rude as you want about NASCAR and Formula One, but get this: Jimmie Johnson is about to pull off an incredible feat when he wins an unprecedented fourth straight championship at Homestead this weekend. Johnson is undeniably a winner. Give him a good team, and within a year we promise you that he'll be one of the best.

Francois Steyn (NFL, kicker)

A person who can score penalties from his own path would be worth his weight in gold in the NFL, we promise you. Steyn is incredibly talented, and all he'll need to whack the ball from 60 yards. In places like Denver, that would be easy work!

Ichiro Suzuki (Test cricket, batsman)

We'd like to throw up two Sky Sports hands to Ichiro Suzuki, the world's first Japanese Test batsman. If you think we're mad, get this: Ichiro Suzuki - in Major League Baseball - has averaged over 200 hits per season. He can also catch and field and he'll be lightning between the wickets which would be brilliant for the Test game.

Tim Tebow (Water polo)

If you haven't heard of the legend of Tim Tebow, then ask any US college sports fan who he is. If you listen to Florida Gators lore, the team's quarterback would run through buildings if it meant getting a win. He's a big lad who can take a beating - so why wouldn't he be an automatic for the US Olympic Water Polo too? Plus, who'd want to swim against a real, live, Gator?

If you have any other suggestions or thoughts simply let Alex know by filling in the feedback form below! Get in touch!

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