We all know LeBron James has changed the game, but ESPN took it to a new level, ranking him No. 2 in their listing of the most influential players.
LeBron James is playing at an elite level in year 15, but his efficiency, leadership, and durability aren’t all that goes into making him basketball’s second most influential player of all time.
Here’s an excerpt from ESPN’s article detailing each players rank.
"The list of James’ accomplishments since entering the league are well known, but he’s continuing to write his story and refine his legacy. In what portends to be a significant achievement, sometime next year James should become the first player in history to be in the top 10 all time in both points and assists. That’s a distinction that will carry a great honor for him as he has always wanted to be known as a playmaker and not just as a scorer. He has a chance to move into the top 50 all time in total rebounds next season as well. In the playoffs, he’s already the all-time leader in scoring, second in steals and third in assists.Counting stats are a tribute to longevity, but his game-changing hasn’t been just about volume. James’ actions off the court have set new standards and created new goals for so many of his peers, a form of respect in any profession.More from King James Gospel3 possible starting lineups for Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023-24The Cavaliers may have snagged a hidden gem in Craig Porter Jr.4 players the Cavaliers should pursue in 2024 free agency6 players Cavaliers might replace Jarrett Allen with by the trade deadlineThis stat is one to keep an eye on for Cavaliers’ Max Strus in years ahead"
There’s really only one thing that sticks out to me that sets LeBron apart from the rest of the field. It’s the last sentence of the second paragraph. James has established a new set of standards, both on and off the court for the current and future generation. He has set a new bar for greatness.
Outside of the standard that James singlehandedly set, he ushered in a new era of basketball. He brought in the dynamic, powerful forward combo that can do it all. Players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ben Simmons will take James’ torch and carry it into the next generation of athletes.
However, James’ new style of play and his standard for greatness are still not the main reason that he’s that high on ESPN’s rankings.
The main reason, in my opinion, in his desire to use his spotlight to create change. Whether that be speaking out on issues about the game or more serious issues in America such as racial inequality, James has helped become a role model for young men not only in Akron and Northeast Ohio but throughout the entire country and even world.
With four MVP’s and three championships under his belt, James is arguably the league’s best player of all time, and with that, comes the power to influence. It’s an amazing power that James may have just dreamed of growing up, and he’s taken full advantage of it.
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James is a generational talent, and it might be as soon as a few years or as far as away as a couple decades before we see someone be able to dominate the NBA like James has. At 33, James is playing some of the best basketball of his career, and with his continued success, James will continue to influence the game and possibly the American culture as a whole.