This story was originally published in February 2022 as part of Athleticism‘s NBA 75, a countdown of the best players in league history.
LeBron Raymone James is not just a living NBA legend. He is still playing. He still dominates.
James is racking up milestones every week as he moves towards professional basketball’s highest individual achievement – becoming the all-time leading scorer.
LeBron is, according to Athleticismof the NBA panel of experts last year, the second greatest player of all time. Which makes him, arguably, the greatest of all time. All the time. Through 75 seasons rich in history. From Akron, Ohio, to the top of the world.
For years, as James hoarded NBA Most Valuable Player trophies in Cleveland and Miami, and championships in Miami, Cleveland and Los Angeles, we saw him score like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, pass like Magic and captivate like Jordan. We know how good LeBron is.
We knew from before the Cavs drafted him No. 1 in 2003 that he was special. As he continues to create memories about the Lakers, all the other members of AthleticismThe all-time top 12 list is retired.
For years the debate has been Michael or LeBron? LeBron loses that one more than he wins, but he still has the chance to change his mind. Either way, he’s been so great, for so long, LeBron has elevated himself to the most rarefied air in NBA history, and we know he’s been around for a while. .
Maybe the only question is, does LeBron know?
“No, I don’t know,” James said with a pause, as he walked through the loading docks at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
“One thing I know is that I’m gifted and working to be as good as possible on the pitch,” he said. “And I understand that with time and commitment and dedication, I’ve put myself in a position to be mentioned with some of the greatest that have ever played basketball, period. Not just in the NBA, but period. .
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(Photo: USA Today)
