LeBron James is one of the greatest athletes of our generation and arguably one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Drafted straight out of high school, the young LeBron James had to surpass humongous expectations and goals that the media and the NBA placed in front of him.
Through his elongated NBA journey, he has achieved the rarest of accolades and has also inspired millions of aspiring basketball players in the world, some of whom are now in the league, playing alongside James. With the All-Star game right around the corner, we take a look at the reason for James’ decorated career, given by the superstar himself.
LeBron James reminds fans of his mindset that elevated him to stardom
The King started playing in the league when he was just a teenager. Straight out of high school, the young LeBron had the pressures of the world around him, with many analysts calling him the ‘next Jordan’, and other fans saying that the young boy would be just another player.
LeBron James proved to the basketball world that he was unique and special. He showed the world why he had the nickname, the ‘Chosen One.’ His raw physicality, his true knowledge of the game, his agile footwork and movements, they were all attributes that were unprecedented for a player who was drafted right out of high school.
However, the journey to the top was not a path filled with flowers. In what would’ve been his first All-Star game selection, the young player was snubbed and overlooked. This did not faze the player who was just in the beginning of his long-lasting journey. Ever since he missed out on that All-Star game in 2004, LeBron James featured in every All-Star game, being selected from all the teams he played for in his career.
Playing in his 21st season, James has shown no signs of stopping and continues to regularly dominate the basketball floor. While much of his former competition has retired or taken up coaching, James has maintained such a healthy and extensive level that it is not a rare occurrence to see the NBA legend play against the children of his former competition.
Taking to Instagram, James penned down the reason as to how he rose to stardom from that very moment which saw him get overlooked for the 2004 ASG. Posting a clip of an old interview regarding his snub, James wrote, “No substitution for WORK!” while he also wrote to the 19-year-old James saying, “Just work harder Young King.”
LeBron James selected for NBA All-star game for 20th season
Earlier today, the NBA announced the list of starters in each conference for next month’s All-Star game. Without a doubt, basketball legend and Lakers superstar, LeBron James showed his immense presence and was declared as the captain for the Western Conference All-Star team.
This is the King’s 20th All-Star selection which makes him the first player to be a 20-time all-star. In the process, Bron broke another record held by Kareem Abdul Jabbar, who had 19 all-star selections.
LeBron is currently averaging a crucial 24.8 points per game, coupled along with 7.5 assists and 7.1 rebounds; stats which are unheard of for a player of LeBron’s age. There is no doubt that LeBron’s basketball journey will continue for a few more years considering that the legend aims to share the court with his sons, Bronny and Bryce.
Meanwhile, certain NBA stars did not make the cut for the All-Star game starters’ list. The selection which happens through a formula where fan voting counts for 50%, voting by players themselves counts for 25% and voting by a panel of writers and broadcasters, who cover the NBA counts for the other 25% saw notable names like Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard and Anthony Edwards miss out.
What do you think of LeBron James’ inspirational journey? Can he win the title in his 21st season? We are eager to know your thoughts and opinions so feel free to express your opinions in the comments below.
