3. LeBron James (2003-Active)
Is it irresponsible to place a 30-year old LeBron James over greats such as Chamberlain, Bird, Robertson and Magic?
I don’t think so.
The only question LeBron was forced to face during his young NBA career that seemed to haunt him was the one of winning a championship.
Sure, he left Cleveland when he shouldn’t have. The kid got scared and ran for the surefire championships with his buddies.
It’s just this “take the easy way out” mindset hardened NBA fans hate about today’s league. Could you ever imagine a Larry Bird or Michael Jordan telling the world they’d rather play with the best, instead of beating the best?
Nevertheless, James picked up two of those critical championships.
Everything he does on the court his brilliant, and sometimes, the casual fan doesn’t quite understand due to their interest in only scoring.
EVERYTHING LEBRON DOES ON THE COURT IS BRILLIANT, AND SOMETIMES THE CASUAL FAN CANNOT GRASP THAT.
For how incredible his overall athletic stature is, LeBron’s basketball IQ is that much better. No basketball player has ever been smarter both offensively and defensively.
At only 30-years of age, LeBron has captured two titles and four MVP’s. His 27.3 points, 7 assists, 6.9 rebounds, and .496 field goal percentage marks for his career display exactly how dominant he is.
Not only that, but he regularly guards the best player on the other team. Also, he’s never had a real coach by his side.
Making comparisons to MJ is wrong in the style sense. LeBron fits the mold of an Oscar or Magic more than MJ. Kobe fits the style of MJ (due to his sickly obsession with the guy).
Still, his legacy is right on track with Jordan’s. It also took a while for Jordan to get the right pieces around him before his Chicago Bulls could start reeling off NBA Championships.
The Bad Boys, Lakers and Celtics were always in his way prior to greatness.
If LeBron somehow wins these 2015 NBA Finals, then watch out.
