LeBron James has been one of the most high-profile names in basketball for well over two decades. Even though his NBA career is 19 years young, the hype around LeBron started when he was a sophomore in high school and has only grown since.
LeBron was on the cover of prestigious basketball magazines before the age of 18 and was put in an extremely precarious position where if he didn’t achieve at an all-time level in the NBA, he will be remembered as a bust compared to the promotion he received.
Interviews from the early-2000s show the pressure that was on LeBron, with interviewers even telling him to his face that he may be remembered as a bust even if makes it as an All-Star, as his comparisons were already being made with the greats. Considering LeBron’s rookie year was the first season after Michael Jordan’s final retirement, it makes sense why the media was trying so hard to crown a new darling,
LeBron’s documentary in 20 years is gonna go crazy pic.twitter.com/ERXaFr4O4w
— LeBron History 🏀 (@bronhistory) March 15, 2022
Being a 17-year-old with such high expectations must have been very challenging for LeBron. However, he made an instant impact on the league and was carrying a hapless Cleveland Cavaliers team to the NBA Finals just 4 seasons into his playing career.
We are in Year 19 now and LeBron is on the cusp of becoming the all-time leading scorer in the history of the league. In addition, he has four championships to his name across three franchises and is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
LeBron James seemingly overperformed on the hype that was already built, which is quite incredible considering the expectations that were set for him. Whenever LeBron retires, he will take his flowers as one of the two greatest players to ever step onto the court. That is a mighty fine legacy to look back on.
