Summary

The article argues that LeBron James, despite not being the undisputed greatest player of all time like Michael Jordan, has solidified his position as the best player in NBA history through his consistent performance, record-breaking achievements, and social impact.

Abstract

The article "LeBron is not the Greatest, He is the Best" presents a compelling case for LeBron James's status as the best player in NBA history, surpassing the legacy of Michael Jordan. It acknowledges Jordan's iconic status and the high expectations placed on James since his NBA debut. The author addresses common critiques of James, such as his perceived lack of aggression, loyalty, and tendency to complain to referees. However, the article emphasizes James's unparalleled consistency, his breaking of Jordan's records, and his off-court contributions, including building a school and speaking out on social issues. The author concludes that while some may struggle to accept James as the greatest, his accomplishments and impact both on and off the court make him the best player of all time.

Opinions

LeBron James is considered by many to be the most consistent player in NBA history, having surpassed expectations and records, including becoming the all-time scoring leader.
The author suggests that LeBron's impact extends beyond the basketball court, highlighting his philanthropic efforts and his willingness to address social issues.
Despite some critiques, such as his lack of aggression compared to players like Jordan and Kobe, and his decisions to change teams, the author believes these do not detract from his status as the best.
The article implies that LeBron's greatness is not diminished by his occasional failures to meet personal or fan expectations.
The author admits to a personal struggle in accepting LeBron as the greatest due to their own admiration for Michael Jordan but asserts that LeBron is undeniably the best player the NBA has seen.

Sports

LeBron is not the Greatest, He is the Best

LeBron is not Jordan. He’s not like anyone that came before him.

Photo credit: Ezra Shaw via Getty Images

For the past 40 years, Michael Jordan has been considered the undisputed best player to ever play in the NBA (National Basketball Association).

It was hard to argue against this classic assertion. Jordan broke the mold with his swag, stats, and sponsorships — the man made other people money. The entire league, in fact. And, he was exciting to watch.

Ironically — or providentially — LeBron James entered the league in the very same year Jordan retired. A true handing of the baton to the next generation.

LeBron James had over-the-top high expectations placed on his career since the day he entered the NBA. At times, James seemed to affirm everyone’s expectations. He also had a few moments when he failed to meet the mark he and others set for himself.

For fans of the game, it has been a very intriguing and a little irritating watching him find his way to greatness. And, make no mistake about it — he is one of the greatest to play the game.

The biggest critiques peppered throughout his career, include:

He is not aggressive enough when he needed to be — like Jordan and Kobe.
He isn’t loyal. He “took his talents” to chase championships on multiple teams.
He complains to the referees far too often.

Okay, he does complain too much. He might even be the greatest whiner of all time.

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All that said, for the past twenty years LeBron James has quietly emerged as the most consistent player in NBA history. Becoming the all-time scoring leader in NBA history was impossible— a record we thought could never be broken.

He has systematically broken many of Jordan’s records and went on to do things Jordan and a host of other greats never did.

He built a school for children in his home city.
He actually does make the players around him better (he is one of the top assist leaders of all time as well.)
He speaks out on social issues. Unevenly, but boldly. When he does it, it is definitive. No wavering.

Check out this tale of the tape. It says it all in terms of statistics.

Some people will never come around to acknowledging LeBron James as the greatest player of all time. Heck, I struggle to utter those words. It feels like heresy for a guy who grew up watching Jordan.

But, I can easily and unequivocally proclaim LeBron James as the BEST player of all time.

We all should.

Honestly,

Ed.

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I am a poet, essayist, and civic strategist based in Birmingham, Alabama. Let’s stay connected via HonestlyEd at LinkedIn, Medium, Instagram. Or, Buy Me A Coffee. Subscribe to receive my posts.