There has simply been no player in the history of the NBA to be as good for as long as LeBron James has been. Whether it is with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat or Los Angeles Lakers, the consistent level that LeBron has maintained is simply unmatched.
Along the way, James has been extremely influential to a number of players and teammates and one of those with the Lakers has been Rui Hachimura. Since being acquired by the Lakers in 2022, Hachimura has been witness to a number of unbelievable and historical moments involving LeBron, yet the forward feels his greatness isn’t being totally appreciated the way it should be.
Hachimura recently spoke about this, saying that he believes people have gotten so used to watching James be great that it isn’t being properly appreciated and that it won’t be until he actually retires that his greatness will be fully appreciated, via Khobi Price of the California Post:
“It’s a crazy thing, I don’t even know how to describe it. I was watching him growing up and not playing with him. But I think at this age and this level, high level that he’s been doing it since he was little, the crazy thing is now I know how this league is. So I think for him to be able to do those crazy things, I think people are gonna realize after he actually retires. Because now people, you get used to watching him, but I think after he retires we gonna be able to actually appreciate what he did in this league.”
It’s like the old saying that you don’t appreciate something until it is gone. Fans have been seeing LeBron do the unimaginable for so long that it no longer seems as impressive because it is just what he does. But being up close like Hachimura has been as his Lakers teammate gives him a greater understanding and appreciation for all that James puts in in order to have these performances.
Obviously LeBron’s retirement is coming sooner rather than later, but still being an All-Star in his 23rd NBA season, the Lakers superstar continues to defy what someone should be capable of at this stage. And Hachimura feels people should really cherish these times as we won’t see anyone do anything like this for a very long time, if ever.
Lakers willing to bring LeBron James back?
If LeBron James does continue his playing career after this season, there has been speculation that it will be elsewhere as his and the Lakers’ partnership may have run its course.
On the contrary though, the Lakers reportedly would be willing to welcome James back for another season if that’s what he wants, putting the ball in his court heading into the offseason.
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