LeBron James may not sit atop the subjective list of the greatest players in NBA history in the company of Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The debate, which will continue into the next century, is redundant.
A more compelling discussion is whether James is the most remarkable player of all time. At the age of 41 and preparing for his unfathomable 24th NBA season, he holds the record for the most seasons played (23) and is one of only twelve players to log 20 or more seasons, a registry that includes legendary figures Vince Carter (22), Dirk Nowitzki (21), Kevin Garnett (21), Jabbar (20), and Kobe Bryant (20).
Drafted No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, James is also the NBA’s all-time leader in games played (1,622) and points scored (43,440).
The best? Perhaps.
The most remarkable? Definitively, yes!
Here’s compelling evidence for the latter. After playing the past eight seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers, leading them to the NBA title in 2020 during a period in which the league’s entire postseason was played in isolation in the aptly named Bubble at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, James’ next decision could dramatically shift the balance of power in the pursuit of the 2027 championship.
Never in the 80-year existence of the NBA has a player had as much sway over the league’s standings for the length of time that James has dictated terms. Which team he chooses has been a leading storyline this offseason (the term offseason being a misnomer as the league’s operations are perpetual) since June 30, when Rich Paul, James’ agent and longtime friend, the CEO of KLUTCH Sports Group, informed the Lakers that James was opting out of the final year of his contract with the franchise.
James, who has proven to be auspiciously calculating and measured, has not publicly stated which teams he is considering. The four-time NBA champion and four-time finals MVP has mastered conjuring — like a supreme sorcerer — intrigue and speculation, finding pleasure in manipulating the masses to the disfavor of those critical of his theatrics.
James purportedly will sign with either the Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, or Golden State Warriors. The Heat and 76ers are the squads that will instantly become dangerous contenders the second James joins them. With Giannis Antetokounmpo now a Heat and Jaylen Brown part of a young, dynamic 76ers contingent, both arriving at their new teams this summer via trades, the addition of James elevates them substantially.
He remains a top 25 player and an All-Star. Last season, James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in 60 regular-season games, and scaled in the playoffs with his co-stars Luka Dončić and Austin Reeves sidelined with injuries. In 10 postseason games, he posted 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 6.7 rebounds.
Another decision for James, another shifting of the NBA’s landscape.
Remarkable!
