Over the past 21 years, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has gone from an 18-year-old with unfathomable expectations to an instant superstar, four-time MVP and NBA champion as well as record-holder in virtually every category . This includes records considered unbreakable, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time record. And on Saturday, he reached another milestone on his list by reach the threshold of 40,000 points.
Although it was a loss to the Denver Nuggets, reaching 40,000 points is a testament to how long James has been at the top of the league. He was already one of the best players in the league when he was drafted in 2003, and more than two decades later – despite the league welcoming an entirely new roster of players – he remains one of the best players in the league. league.
As James reflects on everything that brought him to this point, he gave his thoughts on his 18-year-old self and why today’s version doesn’t need to give him advice.
“Honestly, I wouldn’t tell him anything,” James said. “Because LeBron, 18, had his head on his shoulders. He just did it. He was put in a position that I wouldn’t want too many 18 year olds to find themselves in. But he just had his head in the best possible position.
“He was raised the right way by his mother, he was raised the right way by his little league coaches, he was held accountable by his friends, he met a young woman in high school who also held him accountable held back, then he simply said himself, if you want to make a real name for yourself, your last name, your family, your friends and your city, the only way to do it is to stay focused and put in the work. work. Apart from my family, my friends, my city and some people in my city too because we know some of these people, to be completely honest with you, everyone wanted to see me fail when I arrived in the league.
“Everyone thought there was no way he could exceed the expectations placed on him. For the first time in a long time, I saw the commercial air before my first match. And when I watched it again today for the first time, I think they were mentioning all the greats at every basketball game, I think it was like Big O and Michael and Kareem and Kobe, I I forgot what else was in this ad. or whatever, I could be wrong on some of the names I mentioned, but then it was like the next one was LeBron James. I didn’t even see this ad when it happened, but watching it today I was like, “What the fuck?” Like this expectation of an 18 year old kid. It was crazy just thinking about it. I was watching him today and I was like I wish that on no kid in any sport, having to have that type of pressure and everyone wants to see you fail.
“So I wouldn’t say anything to this 18-year-old kid. I would just tell him to do exactly what you think. No matter what. Stay true to yourself, believe in yourself and don’t get too worked up. If you hover too high, they will try to knock you down. But at the same time, if you fall, as the great Aliyah said, get up and try again. And I did it during my career.
At this point, James has accomplished almost everything a player can do. And it all started with how his 18-year-old self went about his business despite the otherworldly expectations placed on him.
LeBron James explains how he maintains his work ethic
What LeBron James is doing in the 21st season of his career is unprecedented, and it’s a deserves the work he has done throughout his career and continues to do so at 39 years old.
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