The King pays homage to the King. “Thank you for showing me that, even when hate comes at you, you still find love and positivity in it!” That was on Tuesday morning European time, the latest post LeBron James, often simply called “The King,” had written on Instagram on the occasion of the NBA’s Martin Luther King Day observances. For several years the NBA has honored the famous civil rights leader and his fight against racism with special shirts and TV spots in league play. So too in the Los Angeles Lakers’ victory over the Toronto Raptors (110-93) on Sunday, to which LeBron James contributed 24 points.
At the end of perhaps the most extraordinary NBA season, he, however, did not utter a word. For the first time in 21 years, on Monday he was not nominated for the starting lineup in the NBA All-Star Game. In itself, that should not be a big story. Because, at the end of December, the exceptional talent who holds countless league records celebrated his 41st birthday. Moreover, the event carries little serious sporting value. A marketing spectacle where the very best meet, but the basketball artistry on display has remained in a very modest frame for years. The focus of the superstars is mainly on not getting hurt for the far more important league games.
To inject more intensity and competition into this event, reforms have been implemented over the years. The tournament on February 15 in Los Angeles has been announced by the NBA under the contemporary title “USA vs. the World.” It will feature two U.S. teams and one international selection, which will initially compete against each other.
The most consequential change, however, is at first the absence of LeBron James. This year the Los Angeles Lakers star received only the eighth-most votes in the Western Conference from fans, media and players.
Against the Ravages of Time
The most votes went to James’ teammate Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets), Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs) as well as Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.
LeBron James’ performances this season are still more than solid. He averages 22.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.9 assists per game. Those are impressive numbers, especially since he had to miss a significant stretch at the start of the season due to injuries.
Until recently, some observers still found it hard to imagine that LeBron James’ career might finally come to an end. Strangely, he seemed to continually dodge the gnawing tooth of time, repeatedly rising to peak form. Two years ago, around January, he looked back on ten games in which he had averaged 35.1 points per game. He also averaged 9.6 rebounds and 7.9 assists.
The negative records now noted this season actually illustrate only his greatness. In December it happened that LeBron James actually stayed below 10 points for the first time in ages. He had never left a single-digit figure in this stat in the 1,297 games he had played before.
Before this season, “The King” had said about his possible departure: “I am definitely on the home stretch.” In the next sentence, however, he also gave himself a bit more freedom. He would not play another ten years, but he was still ready to compete at the highest level.
At the All-Star Game in February, LeBron James could still see action, should he be named as a reserve by the coaches. It is anyway advisable not to write off this exceptional player, who holds countless NBA records.
