One word that comes to mind when greatness is on full display in sports is “witness.” Today, you do not need to play a sport to know what a player or team means to your city. When a person witnesses greatness, they will likely say, “I can’t wait to tell my kids.” LeBron James is, without a doubt, someone today’s generation will tell their kids about.
It is impossible for an athlete not to have expectations placed on them. Looking at many of the world’s notable athletes, they all experienced the pressures of such things. Some of them succeeded; some of them took a while to live up to it. It is difficult to see the expectations placed on these athletes, especially when they were young, eclipse that of James. Open to the challenge from a young age, he has carried two important things with him: determination and poise.
Lebron James: The Significance of His 21st NBA Season
What the Past Tells Us
When NBA players enter the final seasons of their careers, they are not as productive as they once were. Part of that is due to having high school and intensive college careers. One could argue that’s three careers in one. It has nothing to do with their skill set. Unfortunately, in today’s basketball world, consistency in the lack of points scored is considered “trash.” You will eventually tire with anything the more you participate in an activity. The NBA has an 82-game regular season, and don’t forget about the playoffs and other basketball-related events like the FIBA World Cup, Drew League, and the Olympics. The point is that it is normal and human for these players’ bodies to wear down after year 17.
LeBron James Is the Standard of Longevity
Remember how it is normal and human for NBA players’ bodies to wear down after about year 17? During James’ 17th year (2019-2020), he averaged 25.3 PPG and a league-leading 10.2 APG. At the same time, he led the Los Angeles Lakers to their 17th NBA championship. He did all of this at the age of 35. Fast-forward to the 2022-23 season, he showed no signs of slowing down, averaging 28.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, and 6.8 APG. James has shown determination (there’s that word from earlier) to keep his mind fresh. Fans see the dedication to his body as well, becoming the standard that other NBA players like Stephen Curry (15th season), Kevin Durant (18th season), and Chris Paul (19th season) follow.
This Could Be His Last Dance
Arguably the greatest player to ever play the game, James is, without a doubt, this generation’s GOAT. Having eight consecutive NBA Finals appearances under his belt, it would be no surprise that a fan would feel weird if he isn’t on television competing in the playoffs. That feeling will become permanent very soon, much to people’s dismay. Self-proclaimed that he is “more than an athlete,” James’ love for basketball does not compare to his love for people. Through the I Promise School, More Than a Vote initiative, the LeBron James Family Foundation, and other various charities, James is not limited by what he is regarding occupation. As a player, the standards we hold him to is expected. As a person, the expectations we witness him exceed, on and off the court, are generational.
One can argue that the scrutiny hurled toward James throughout his career has been unfair. The poise (there’s that other word from earlier) he established throughout his career, regardless of the teams he played for, is deeper than basketball. We will miss him when he hangs up his jersey. Until then, Laker Faithful and fans from all over should prepare themselves for James’ best season.
This season, LeBron James will suit up with the Lakers and look to win his fifth NBA title.
