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LeBron James Presses Press After Face Of The NBA Question

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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James hasn’t been the only face of the NBA since being drafted first overall in 2004.

Hall of Famers like Kobe Bryant, Paul Pierce, and Tim Duncan have been among the most popular and influential stars. Active players like Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, San Antonio Spurs point guard Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden, Denver Nuggets point guard Russell Westbrook, and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo –many of whom are on different teams than they started with –have as well.

So, when people ask who the next face of the league will be when James retires, the question is somewhat misleading.

LeBron James Presses Press After Face Of The NBA Question

Spurs second-year sensation Victor Wembanyama is at the forefront of the NBA’s next generation of stars. However, players like Minnesota Timberwolves wing Anthony Edwards can’t be shuffled off to the side. Neither can Lakers point guard Luka Doncic, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, or Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for that matter. This season, Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham proved he belongs in the conversation as well.

Do any of them want that title though?

Chiming in on the conversation after the Lakers defeated the Timberwolves, James asks:

“Why do you wanna be the face of the league when all the people that cover our game and talk about our game on a day-to-day basis **** on everybody? To have that responsibility. It’s just weird… Channing (Frye) he said it perfectly. Couldn’t have said it no better.”

“Obviously, I didn’t ask (to be the face of the league),” James continues. “But I knew there was a responsibility for me to my family, my friends, my community and whoever was going to follow my journey throughout my career… So I’ve always taken that seriously and understood from the beginning what being a professional was all about and being a role model is all about. So, I tried to hold that with the utmost respect and honor.”

Alluding to former NBA forward-center Channing Frye‘s shrewd comments about nostalgia ruining NBA discourse, James hits the nail on the head with his addendum.

It’s not that players are above criticism. It’s not that players aren’t celebrated. But there is a “weird energy,” as James puts it, when people discuss the league today.

Taking The Fun Away

When it comes to assessments of the players, the rising popularity of sports betting may be a factor. Anyone that uses social media regularly has come across fans calling out a player for not reaching a statistical threshold. Yet, an even larger issue is that the national media is quick to offer disparaging remarks about players.

James has been a constant target. Durant has been a constant target.

Right now, Wembanyama has been treated pretty kindly. But if he ever starts to perform below expectations, the sharks will be circling. Cunningham, another young star, is currently being hyped up. At the same time, Tatum is facing more criticism than ever despite winning a championship last season.

Yes, it’s the pressure that comes with reaching a certain level of talent and fame. Still, players can’t be blamed for wanting to be put in that situation. Basketball is a game, which means it’s supposed to be fun, even if it’s competitive. Some of the headlines and reports that come out about players, especially those that are heavily opinionated, tend to take the fun away though.

The Last Word On Problematic NBA Discourse

One more point.

On the one hand, some criticisms of the product have merit. Whether people like the opinion doesn’t change that many felt as if the game was getting too stale or rudimentary in some ways. There was obviously a time in which the NBA rule changes led to more lackadaisical defense.

However, the problem with those critiques is that there’s not enough yang for the yin. Fans and talking heads take more time to denigrate than celebrate the game. Players are more skilled and versatile than ever. Though many possessions end with a 3-point attempt, there’s often a lot of variety in how teams generate those shots.

It’s easy to miss the forest for the trees but it’s time for there to be a shift in the conversation.

© Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

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