The greatest of all-time (GOAT) debate has intensified throughout the recent years due to Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James seemingly defying Father Time. Heading into his 21st season, James is looking to win his fifth championship to strengthen his case over Michael Jordan.
This debate will only continue even when James retires as the NBA has never seen a player have this kind of longevity in the ladder stages of their career. While the Ohio native isn’t the explosive player he once was, he is clearly still capable of contributing to winning basketball.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to the GOAT debate, it is purely subjective and everyone has their own reasoning and beliefs. James has, however, committed a lot of resources to keeping his body healthy and strong as possible, which is a factor in why he has played for so long.
Another physical and dominant player, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, believes that James’ longevity makes him the greatest player in NBA history, via Joe Vardon of The Athletic:
“Some guys might say he is No. 2, but other guys like me, I say he is No. 1, and he’s still going,” said Giannis Antetokounmpo, putting it plainly that he believes James is the best NBA player ever, ahead of Michael Jordan.
Antetokounmpo continues by mentioning how James set the ‘blueprint’ on and off the court for him and other rising stars:
“For 21 years, you never get in trouble, to be able to take in his family, protect this family, raise his kids the right way, you know, be happily married, all those things, it’s perfect,” Antetokounmpo said. “He’s kind of like setting the blueprint for the rest of us to go forward. That’s what I want. I want to be able to do what I do on the court consistently, be good, be healthy, be available for my team, be able to, you know, raise my family in a bubble away from what I do on the court for them to have a normal life as much as I can. Stay out of trouble.
“And hopefully one day, you know, when I’m done from the game of basketball … maybe you mention me? I don’t know. But he sets up the blueprint for all the athletes that enter the NBA to follow.”
The Lakers reloaded their roster after getting swept in the Western Conference Finals, adding more depth to lessen the workload for James as he heads into his 21st season.
While he will be turning 39-years-old at the end of December, LeBron is still expected to be an integral part of the team behind his co-star Anthony Davis leading the charge. It is crazy to say, but after averaging 28.9 points last season, expect similar production this season.
James expresses desire to play with both sons in new Beats commercial
James has made it clear that he wants to play in the NBA with his eldest son Bronny, who is a freshman playing for USC this year. But, in a new Beats commercial that was released just before Opening Night, LeBron dropped some tea leaves that he would also like to play with his youngest son Bryce, who is still in high school.
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