Speaking to the media after a win over the Knicks on Saturday, LeBron James had some interesting things to say about being the face of the league. When asked about his status as a role model in the NBA, James explained that it’s a responsibility for him to be a positive influence for the millions of kids around the world who look up to him and his family.
“It is a responsibility,” said James. “There’s so many kids that look up to us as professional basketball players, look up to us as NBA guys., that have looked up to me in my 2-plus decades. So I think it is my responsibility you not only play at a high level but also represent the league with the utmost respect, give back to the league cause the league has given me so much and just try to set an example for the next generation. I never think like, ‘Oh, I’m the face of the NBA,’ I’ve never ever even said that. I’ve just always understood it as a responsibility. Be a professional, just be a pro.”
According to James, being a leader of the game is about setting an example for others, giving back to the younger generation, and representing the NBA brand in a positive/respectful manner. While most players would take these things for granted, it’s in LeBron’s nature to maintain a squeaky-clean image. While James is far from perfect as a player and as a man, he’s arguably the best athlete that we’ve seen when it comes to avoiding drama and preserving a reputation as a classy, family-oriented athlete. This season, even amid tough times for the Lakers, LeBron has managed to keep his cool and he continues to say and do all the right things in front of the fans, his teammates, and the media.
LeBron James Is The Perfect Face Of Basketball
With a career that spans over 20+ years, LeBron James is a living legend. As of February 2024, he’s a 20x All-Star, 4x NBA champion, 4x MVP, and 19x All-NBA player. He’s first on the NBA All-Time scoring list and is first in total playoff wins out of any player with 182 to his name. The best part about James, however, is his unwavering discipline. Unlike stars such as Ja Morant (who flashes guns on Instagram Live) or James Harden (who frequents strip clubs between game days), LeBron puts his team and his family first and it’s why he’s avoided any kind of serious controversy despite being one of the world’s most popular athletes.
Speaking on his podcast, Draymond Green once called LeBron the ‘greatest face the NBA has ever had’ based on his track record of near-perfect behavior during his time in the limelight. To date, LeBron hasn’t been caught drunk or in trouble with the law in any way. He’s been with the same woman since he was 16 years old. He’s never even so much as demanded a trade in the NBA, and he’s always played out his contract at least until the final year.
It’s been an impressive run for LeBron James and it’s even more impressive that he’s still going after all these years. Even at 39 and counting, LeBron is the face of NBA basketball and he sets the standard of professionalism for all of his peers. Unfortunately, it feels like this kind of player is slowly dying out in the NBA, and LeBron could be the last of a dying breed. For now, it’s best to just appreciate what he’s doing and not take for granted the consistent show of discipline that he’s demonstrated over two decades now.
