LeBron James has spent the last 19 years as one of the most dominant NBA players of all time. While he never hit a prime like Michael Jordan where he was absolutely unbeatable in the NBA Finals, LeBron made 9 Finals in 10 years and won 4 championships to prove that he isn’t that far off from the title of greatest of all time. His longevity in the sport is becoming unparalleled.
A man who won titles with MJ was Steve Kerr, a man who coached the Golden State Warriors to win 3 titles against the LeBron-led Cleveland Cavaliers from 2015 to 2018. Despite playing with MJ, Kerr declared James the best athlete to ever walk this planet.
LeBron has Steve Kerr's respect. pic.twitter.com/6NXjqpZ4B5
— ESPN (@espn) November 14, 2019
“I think I’ve said it before I mean, probably the best athlete to ever walk this planet when you think about his strength, power, speed, durability. I’ve never seen anybody in my lifetime in any sport who I would consider a better athlete.” (h/t MyKhel)
Kerr is referring to LeBron’s athletic skill-set, as LBJ is a 6’9″ forward with point guard skills and an ability to bruise with centers around the league in his 270-pound frame. The Warriors coach said this before LeBron led the Lakers to the 2020 title, after an early-season matchup where the LeBron-led Lakers blew the Warriors out 120-94.
Do Other Athletes Compare To LeBron James’ Athletic Skill-Set?
When it comes to talking about freakishly gifted athletes, LeBron is definitely up there. He had all the physical tools possible for a successful NBA career. James also flirted with the idea of playing football, allegedly fielding offers from Division 1 schools about football scholarships before he decided to jump straight to the NBA.
From an all-sport perspective, athletes like Jim Thorpe, Bo Jackson, Cristiano Ronaldo, and many others could be considered the greatest athlete ever. But LeBron has performed at the highest level of his sport for almost 20 seasons now, proving that being gifted and being able to turn that into longevity at the highest level are 2 different things.
