LeBron James is one of the world’s greatest sportsmen ever. What he has achieved in his career is nothing short of phenomenal. Though everyone might not consider LeBron to be the GOAT, many do, media members and former NBA legends among them. With time, LeBron’s impact hasn’t lessened, although his teams have failed to make it to the playoffs for 2 of the last 4 seasons.
This is despite LeBron averaging a monster 30 points per game during the 2021-22 regular season while being in his 19th season in the league. James is not ranked as highly as he once was though, as became evident with ESPN’s list of the Top 100 players ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, who seems to be topping all of these lists, was No. 1, followed by Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, and Stephen Curry. LeBron was ranked 6th on the list and Kevin Durant 8th, with many media members from ESPN questioning the list themselves.
Zach Lowe Would Choose LeBron James In A Playoff Series Over Any Of ESPN’s Top 5 Except Giannis Antetokounmpo And Kevin Durant
Many would say that Kevin Durant has been slighted most by this list, he has a very solid case for being Top 5, and even the best player in the NBA and the world. But Zach Lowe of ESPN found LeBron’s omission from the Top 5 to be the most egregious, although he did also include praise for KD.
(starts at 4:22 minutes):
“If you wanna yell and scream that LeBron belongs in the top five, you read the names. Those guys are amazing. They don’t include Kawhi [Leonard] who’s amazing and Durant who’s amazing. In the regular season, 82 games, carrying a team, this is right for LeBron [#6]. He’s older, he’s only played 55, 60 games a year.
“But, in one game or in a one-game seven series, I want him over some of these guys. I probably want him over the centers, I can’t take him over Giannis, I can’t take him over Durant… This guy is still the chess master. He’s still the ultimate chess master.”
LeBron James is still someone who has every opportunity to come out all guns blazing and win another title. He is arguably the greatest playoff performer ever, if not the greatest Finals performer, and it’s easy to see why Lowe isn’t too happy with the selections. One way or another, it never pays to discount the King, as the makers of the list might soon learn next season.
