LeBron James was voted the best player at Team USA’s Olympic training camp, despite being nearly 40 years old and surrounded by some of the best basketball talent in the world. During the camp, which took place in Las Vegas, a straw poll was conducted by The Athletic, among the participants to determine the top national team player. James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, received the most votes.
Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson, who participated in the camp as a member of the select team, remarked on James’ performance, noting that even at 40, James was the best player on the court. This sentiment was echoed by several others at the camp, emphasizing James’ enduring skill and leadership.
“That’s what I told my brother after the first day, I was like dude’s 40 and he’s the best player on the court.”
The poll revealed James as the top player with five votes. Stephen Curry, Anthony Edwards, and Jrue Holiday each received two votes, while Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, and Bam Adebayo each got one vote. Most of the participants in the poll were players and coaches from the select team, a group of younger NBA players and G Leaguers brought in to scrimmage against the Olympic team.
Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley, who led the select team, praised James’ presence and leadership on the court.
“You feel and see his presence on the court. You see exactly what he’s doing, the way he’s communicating, the way he’s talking, getting guys in position. There’s a level of focus on the seriousness of understanding the moment that he just continues to show.”
He highlighted James’ ability to communicate effectively, get teammates in the right positions, and maintain a high level of focus and seriousness throughout the camp.
During the scrimmages, Team USA faced stiff competition, but James’ performance stood out. The camp concluded with a narrow 74-73 victory for Team USA over the select team, with Anthony Davis making a crucial block at the buzzer.
Despite speculation that James might come off the bench during the Olympics due to the team’s deep roster, his dominant performance in camp suggests he will continue to play a pivotal role. With Kevin Durant sidelined due to a calf strain and other stars dealing with various issues, James’ leadership and skill will be crucial for Team USA as they prepare for the Olympics.
LeBron James‘ commitment to excellence and his ability to compete at the highest level, even at this stage in his career, has not gone unnoticed. As Team USA looks to secure another gold medal in Paris, James’ role will be vital, proving that age is just a number when it comes to his impact on the game.
This Is Unprecedented Territory In NBA History
LeBron James is traversing unprecedented territory in NBA history. What he has done, what he is doing, and what he will do are feats that may not be seen again for a very long time. It is almost unheard of for a player in their 21st season in any sport to be voted by their peers as the best player in a country like the USA.
The only comparable instance in recent memory is Tom Brady, who won the Super Bowl in his 21st season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, even that accomplishment does not quite capture the magnitude of what LeBron is achieving.
It has been evident for a while that four of the top five players in the NBA are from outside the United States. Yet, LeBron James, at nearly 40 years old, continues to defy age and competition to maintain his status as one of the best players in the league.
Only one other player in NBA history has played 22 seasons: Vince Carter. His final season stats were modest, with averages of 5.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game in 14.6 minutes per game. In stark contrast, LeBron James will enter his 22nd season after signing a two-year, $101 million deal with the Lakers, and he is on contract to play his 23rd season as well.
LeBron’s 21st-season averages were a remarkable 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. These numbers not only dwarf Vince Carter’s final season stats but also highlight LeBron’s extraordinary durability and sustained excellence.
LeBron’s ability to maintain such high performance levels so deep into his career is unparalleled. His continued dominance is a testament to his rigorous training, exceptional skill set, and profound understanding of the game. As he prepares for yet another season, LeBron’s journey sets a new benchmark for longevity and performance in professional sports.
This level of sustained excellence in the twilight of a career is something the NBA—and sports in general—has rarely, if ever, witnessed. LeBron James is not just playing; he is redefining what it means to be an elite athlete over two decades into a career. His story will inspire future generations and set a standard that will be incredibly challenging to match.
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