[ad_1]
(CNN Philippines) – At 35, LeBron James should hit more jumpers and 3s if he wants to have more competitive years. Why? Because fewer bodily contacts would result in fewer injuries. However, he does the opposite and attacks painting as if his life always depended on it. This is the King we’re talking about, and it’s strange to see him be anything but superhuman.
It has become a staple for basketball fans to watch James in the playoffs. In his 17 years in the NBA, he appeared in 10 championship series; He is only the fourth player in history to accomplish such a feat after Bill Russell, Sam Jones and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did it decades ago. That is an elite roster that young players dream of being a part of.
At this point, the arguments about LeBron’s record in the Finals (now at 4-6) should be irrelevant. He has led three different squads to the promised land in unique circumstances.
READ: Lakers win record-breaking 17th NBA title
First, he teamed up with fellow superstars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in South Beach and won back-to-back titles. He then became Cleveland’s prodigal son and gave his hometown its first major professional championship in 52 years. After that, LeBron overcame the pressure of wearing the purple and gold jersey by helping the Los Angeles Lakers end a 10-year title drought during an unprecedented global health crisis. If this is not worthy of a documentary series, what is?
There came a time when analysts and experts did not consider LeBron the best basketball player in the world. Rightly so, as only one sport can be mastered for a certain period. Yet the King proved time and again that he is the star that shines the brightest when it is most needed.
At the rate LeBron goes, he will continue to break records and rewrite the history books. This kid from Akron, Ohio will be considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, the GOAT debate is another topic.
Despite all he has done on and off the court, LeBron continues to redefine what a one-of-a-kind talent in a generation is.
The game is changing. There are players worthy and willing to take the throne from King James. And knowing him as a basketball observer since he was drafted in 2003, he will happily resign his position as top dog because it means a new breed will shape the league.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Plenty of gas left in LeBron’s tank-like body. You might even get a chance to face your 16-year-old son Bronny in the NBA – that’s longevity on another level.
For now, let’s enjoy the moment and be grateful that we all witness a man who is more than an athlete.
[ad_2]
