[ad_1]
LeBron James kept it real during his speech at the ESPYs for a record-breaking performance award. After more than two decades of playing in the NBA, “King James” knows he’s a somewhat polarizing figure.
Here’s what he said in front of some of today’s top athletes, including his peers in professional basketball (via SportsCenter):
“Listen, you can love me, and I know some of you hate me too, but one thing you will always do is respect me and appreciate the way I approach the game and what I have given to this game.”
•
In one sentence, the four-time MVP defined how most basketball fans view him. He is adored by many for his undeniably amazing skills. He dropped out of high school building an almost untouchable resume on the basketball court.
LeBron James was at the ESPYs to receive recognition for resetting perhaps the most sacred record in the NBA. The All-Star’s 19 doubles overtake Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the league’s scoring king.
No one in the history of the NBA has combined longevity and greatness the way he has. Many of the “oldest” and “younger” records are his. Some of the things he’s accomplished in his 20-year career may never be equaled, let alone surpassed.
When LeBron James dethroned the legendary Abdul-Jabbar for the all-time scoring mark, the all-time (goat) debate raged. Some have claimed that the best title of all time should be his after he set the league’s scoring record.
However, not many are fans of James fanatics. It is unanimously considered one of the greatest goats, but not goats. Many will point out that his shocking 2011 loss to the Dallas Mavericks is irreversible. Even with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in the lineup, James couldn’t lead the Miami Heat over Dirk Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.
The “Hitles” James himself was also slaughtered by the “beautiful game” of the San Antonio Spurs. After the lopsided debacle, he left South Beach.
A star-studded Los Angeles Lakers team in 2021-22 that couldn’t even make the playoffs is another blemish that fans will point out.
If the stacked 2023-24 Lakers don’t make it to the Western Conference Finals, James’ pundits will have nothing but more ammunition against him.
Also read: Watch: The precision shot by LeBron James to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record and become #1 in all-time NBA points scored
LeBron James deserves all the respect he’s accomplished
Whether or not LeBron James is the goat is debatable. What is not in question is his dedication, discipline, focus and influence since entering the NBA more than 20 years ago.
King James takes better care of his body than anyone else in the history of the game. It’s one of the biggest reasons why it has been so good for so long.
The younger generation of players adores him and many peg him over Michael Jordan as the goat. Basketball will never be the same once he takes his jersey off.
Love him or hate him, LeBron James deserves the respect of his peers and fans.
Also read: “I think LeBron James is the worst ever” – Savannah James sings about The King at the 2023 ESPY Awards
[ad_2]
