After an illustrious NBA career spanning 23 years, LeBron James has safely positioned himself among the greats of the game, with some even considering him the greatest. Despite being 41, James is expected to return for another season, a testament to his longevity and his pursuit of greatness. But what drives him toward this goal?
LeBron James was in attendance for the CNBC Sport x Boardroom Game Plan Summit, where he spoke with CNBC’s Rich Kleiman on Thursday night. Among the several questions James fielded, the superstar was also asked about his long-time relationship with American producer and recording artist Jay-Z.
Although James touched on how he and Jay-Z became familiar, the 41-year-old revealed that, among the many people who have inspired him, the rapper has been particularly influential. He stated:
“Man, he’s been one of my biggest inspirations. I say MJ was my biggest inspiration as far as basketball, but I never got an opportunity to hang with him or talk to him or whatever. But Jay is like my big brother. He’s the one who’s given me so much game and has taught me so much.”
“I’m always thinking about him any time I’m doing something business-wise or making a decision or whatever, thinking, like, is this going to make him proud or because he gave me so much game as a 16-year-old kid.”
LeBron James recalled hanging out with Jay-Z and his crew at the age of 16. At a young age, he started observing how the artist and his group behaved and carried themselves in different settings, picking up vital cues along the way.
“We really just watched Jay and how they moved and how he moved, and it was like a sponge,” James noted. “We didn’t say much. We didn’t ask for much. We just sat there. And he moved how a person who knows who he is and what he brings to the table is supposed to move, and from the business side, to the way he walked, to the way he talked, to the way he greeted people.”
“It was just an aura about him and a professionalism in his respective genre that we all kind of learned, and we all kind of took to this point now.”
Having learned a considerable amount at the hands of one of the most well-renowned artists in the music industry, LeBron James set off on his own entrepreneurial ventures, building a noteworthy portfolio and legacy outside basketball. Still, the 41-year-old gives credit where it is due.
When it comes down to basketball, James was clear about how much Michael Jordan inspired him. However, when taking stock of his own career and how it is nearing an end, the 41-year-old couldn’t help but draw parallels with the six-time NBA champion.
“My favorite basketball player of all time and my inspiration growing up was Michael Jordan. There was an end for him. So, if there was an end for one of the greatest to ever play the game of basketball, that I ever watched play basketball, then it’s inevitable to all of us,” James shared. “So it’s just being in reality and actuality at the same time.”
Even though LeBron James joked he would be averaging 10 points per game in the NBA even at 65, it is evident that the forward has a firm grasp on the reality of his situation.
Having seemingly come to terms with the limited time he has left in the league, it will be intriguing to see what the superstar can achieve with his new team in the upcoming season. However, with LeBron James’ decision still on hold, the NBA and fans are left waiting in suspense.
