Opinion
This current generation of sports lovers has been truly blessed with some of the greatest athletes to ever participate in their respective sports.
As far as basketball is concerned, a player like LeBron James is so rare to produce. He will always be up there in the conversation as the greatest of all time, which is an incredible achievement in itself.
For now, let’s put that talk aside and focus on the legacy of ‘King James’ as so many refer to him.
Yesterday was an iconic moment as LeBron overtook Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time leading points scorer with 38,390 and counting.
Electrifying is a fitting way to describe the crowd at the Staples Centre. Every time James touched the ball you could feel the anticipation and excitement build.
In what has been a difficult season thus far for the Lakers and by LeBron’s standards, this broken record was a reminder of how impactful his career has been.
LeBron James (Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
Never mind his physique and explosiveness earlier in his career, at age 38 LeBron is defining physics.
Watching him play against the Oklahoma City Thunder put things into perspective that he is still a dominant force when he drives into the paint and bullies opponents. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the only player who springs to mind who is capable of stopping the four-time NBA champion in his tracks.
All credit to LeBron. The way he has been able to look after his body and still compete at the highest level despite his age is simply inspiring.
Some players play for the money. Some players don’t fully enjoy playing. LeBron, however, plays to be the best that has ever lived which is his motivation to make history.
It is this champion mentality that sets him apart from the rest.
What is most impressive about his career is how he manages to play in every game possible no matter how tired or in pain his body is.
The hard work and pure commitment he has demonstrated to participate in every game possible in this day and age of load management and rest are remarkable.
Fans pay big money to watch him perform and he delivers by showing up on the floor at the very least. He deserves so much respect just for that aspect.
Lakers star LeBron James drives to the hoop against the Brooklyn Nets (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
LeBron’s legacy extends far greater than on the court.
One of the best role models in world sport, period.
Golden State Warriors defender Draymond Green summed it up best just a few days ago.
“Think about the day and age we live in – cameras, social media – he’s never had a scandal. Never been arrested. Never photo’d drunk. Those things go hand in hand with durability, longevity, consistency,” he Tweeted.
Above all, LBJ sets an example for the younger generation to follow and sends the message that even with talent on your side, it goes to waste if the hard yards are not applied.
Just a kid from Akron, LeBron has successfully lived out his dream and has undoubtedly challenged himself in different settings. Cleveland, Miami, and now the Lakers where he has won at least one championship for each franchise.
Kareem’s record seemed unbreakable and impossible for any player to surpass, but LeBron’s achievement does look everlasting now.
Even now it becomes difficult to fully grasp the massive impact that he has had on the game.
Basketball will miss LeBron James dearly once he calls time on his illustrious career.
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