Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is evolving into a global icon, recognizable across the world. His recognition will only grow more once he becomes NBA’s all-time leading scorer. With the recent performances he’s had, his status as one of the greatest NBA players ever keeps growing too.
Since turning 38 years old, James has had multiple 40-point performances and has averaged over 30, which has never been done by someone his age.
James always catches the eyes of NBA fans across the country, but fellow athletes across the world are noticing too. After recently attending the Brooklyn Nets home game, soccer megastar Kylian Mbappé shared his current NBA top-five with the King at the top:
Le TOP 5 de @KMbappe ? @KingJames, @KDTrey5, @Giannis_An34, @Luka7Doncic & @jaytatum0 pic.twitter.com/f8f1R5AAht
— NBA France (@NBAFRANCE) January 3, 2023
Mbappé is a superstar in his own right, scoring a hat trick for France in the recent World Cup final. At 24 years old, he already has 12 World Cup goals which is the sixth-most ever. He’s also one of the highest-valued players in the world at PSG.
LeBron deemed Lionel Messi the GOAT after France’s defeat at the hands of Messi and Argentina in the World Cup. Mbappé’s trajectory isn’t far off, however. He played a key role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory, becoming the second teenager since Pele to score in a final.
Greatness always appreciates greatness and it seems Mbappé is doing so here. It won’t be a surprise if LeBron does the same in years to come.
Darvin Ham credits LeBron for taking care of his body
It’s no secret that LeBron has taken on a big load for the Lakers in his 20th season. His minutes have hovered early- to mid-30s per game, however, they’ve reached 40 in some games as well.
Head coach Darvin Ham is cautious with handling LeBron’s minutes. An extended injury to James will send L.A.’s season down the drain. After the Lakers’ game against the Hornets, Ham said LeBron’s ability to take care of his body allows him to play in longer stretches.
“A night like tonight, a night like last game where he’s just got it going not just from a scoring perspective, but a playmaking perspective and the way he’s rebounding, the way he’s defending, you just want to ride him,” Ham said. “And he allows you to do that because he takes such great care of himself. It’s a great luxury to have.”
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