LeBron James is an athlete that has had insane longevity, and even this late into his career, he is playing at an MVP level. While this year’s Finals has not featured James, it is clear that he has a lot of experience playing at the highest stage.
Chris Paul is one of LeBron James’ friends, and James was in attendance courtside for Game 5. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo commented on James sitting courtside and marveled at just how long LeBron James has managed to stay at the highest level. Antetokounmpo mentioned that he wasn’t even playing basketball during LeBron James’ first Finals appearance in 2007, and just how insane that was.
Giannis on LeBron James being courtside for Game 5: “First time he was in the Finals was 2007, I wasn’t playing basketball. That’s crazy to think about.”
— Melissa Rohlin (@melissarohlin) July 19, 2021
First time he was in the Finals was 2007, I wasn’t playing basketball. That’s crazy to think about. Obviously I noticed him, it’s LeBron James, he was sitting right across our bench.
I didn’t have the chance to engage with him, I wouldn’t engage with him, that’s something I don’t do… might be my mother sitting in the courtside seat, I don’t engage while I’m playing I just focus as much as possible.
But this is crazy, this is crazy story… The night before I was watching Space Jam on HBO. So I was watching Space Jam, and then he goes. In the courtside seat, sitting.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most dominant stars of the new generation, and despite being 10 years younger than LeBron James, during the 2019-20 season both were competing for the MVP award. LeBron James’ first Finals was in 2007, and his latest was in 2020, where he won the championship and the Finals MVP. That is absolutely insane longevity, and while LeBron James’ career is entering its later stages, it is clear that he is still playing at a very high level.
