LeBron James has been the face of the NBA throughout his 22-year-old career and knows the territory that comes with it.
James, 40, said he understands that players who do not want to succeed him because of the media trial that comes with it.
“Why do you want to be the face of a league when all the people who cover our games and talk about our games on a daily basis S — on everyone?” James asked journalists after Los Angeles Lakers wins over Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday.
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Los Angeles Lakers Spider LeBron James (23) during the first half against Denver Nuggets in the Ball Arena. (Christopher Hanewinckel-Misted Pictures)
“That responsibility – it’s just weird. It’s strange energy from the people who … I don’t know.”
Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards recently said he doesn’t want to be NBA’s next face and just wants to focus on basketball.
“Well, I’m able to be that guy. But I don’t want to be that guy, say it like that. I want to be the guy to just show up and bend and just kill dudes and go home,” Edwards said in NBA All-Star Weekend in February.
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American guard LeBron James (6), Guard Kevin Durant (7) and Guard Anthony Edwards (5) on the bench in the fourth quarter against Puerto Rico during Olympic summer matches in Paris 2024 on Stade Pierre-Mauroy. (John David Mercer -usa Today Sports)
James said he fully understands where Edwards come from.
“(Anthony Edwards) said he doesn’t want it. I mean, of course, I didn’t ask for it; but I knew there was a responsibility to me – not just for my family, my friends, my community and who would follow my journey throughout my career, not only to Ohio when I started there – but everywhere in America and all over the world when I travel all over the world,” James said.
“I’ve always taken it seriously and understood from the start of what being a professional is about and being a role model is about … I feel ant. I understand it. I understand it completely. It’s just weird energy when it comes to it.”
Los Angeles Lakers tip LeBron James (23) celebrates with guard Luka Doncic (77) over the second quarter against La Clippers in Crypto.com Arena. (Jason Parkhurst-Preferred Pictures)
A lot of NBA fans want Edwards to be NBA’s next face after them like James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant retire.
But fortunately for Edwards, he doesn’t have to worry about assuming that the title yet, as James still chugger with, productive as ever at 40 years old.
