There are various factors to consider when naming a singular player as the greatest to ever play. History remembers the victors. Michael Jordan won six straight NBA championships in the 1990s; Bill Russell picked up 11 in 13 years.
Headlines play a factor as well. Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry was raised courtside at NBA games with his father, Dell Curry, retiring as the Charlotte Hornets’ all-time leader in points.
When LeBron James stepped on the hardwood at St.Vincent-St.Mary’s high school in Akron, Ohio, it was the start of a generational shift. By his junior year, Sports Illustrated tabbed James as “The Chosen One.” Being touted as the “heir to Jordan” creates unreasonably high expectations for an 18-year-old. Yet, instead of being crushed by the weight of those expectations, James rose to the occasion and enjoyed one of the greatest careers the NBA has ever seen.
James was selected with the No.1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, and within a few years, turned the lowly Cavaliers into a perennial championship contender. Before he turned 25, James secured his first MVP — and then did it again the following year.
Though his first tenure in Cleveland ended without a championship, James picked up two championships and two additional MVPs in his first three seasons with the Miami Heat. His time in the Vice City was an era-defining period that included brutal battles with Texas’ best — Tim Duncan led San Antonio Spurs and Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas Mavericks.
James could have retired after his final year with the Heat and still made it into the NBA Hall of Fame. Instead, he embarked on arguably his best stretch of basketball when he returned to Cleveland. “King James” averaged 26.1 points per game, led the league in scoring in 2017-18 and surmounted a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals against Curry’s Warriors during his second stint in “The Land.” The 2016 title remains the Cavaliers’ lone championship, adding to its iconic status.
James has aged like wine since leaving Cleveland, bringing the Los Angeles Lakers their first title since 2010 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He also surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s career scoring record in 2024, a testament to not only his otherworldly durability but his endless reign of dominance over the league.
Fans could claim that Jordan’s perfection in the finals makes him the clear choice for the greatest of all time, but James’ sustained dominance and countless accolades place him at the top of the NBA’s player hierarchy. He’s got everything required to be labeled the GOAT, including the iconic moments — on and off the court.
From 2003 to whenever he decides to retire will be reflected upon as the “Lebron James era.” An influence that impacted three different franchises and cities cannot be dismissed.
The Jordan era was clean, classic — the standard. James will be remembered for his relentless, physical play style that every team in the league feared. He elevated the game and will be enshrined for his efforts.
