Lebron James Career Thus Far
SteemSports Presenter/Editor: Scott Frank,@scottybuckets
Lebron James starts his 15th year in the NBA tonight. 15th year! Hard to believe that he was a rookie all the way back in 2003. How different was life back then? George W Bush was in his first term as the United States President. Rapper, 50 Cent, had the #1 song “In Da Club.” The movie “The Lord of the Rings” was the highest grossing movie of the year. The TV show “Friends” was entering its final season. Netflix existed, but they used to mail you these weird things called CDs. Bitcoin was still 6 years away from its creation.
But in those years, Lebron James has had one hell of a career. Love him or hate him, there is no denying his accomplishments. Let's take a look at what he has done over his first 14 years.
The average length of an NBA career is 4.8 years. Lebron has tripled that with no end in sight at the ripe old age of 32. But Superstars in professional sports are judged mostly on 1 thing and 1 thing only, CHAMPIONSHIPS. Lebron has checked that box 3 times.
After making the NBA Finals with his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Lebron became a free agent and decided to test the waters, after 8 years, in the summer of 2010. He was courted by every major market and team. Rumors swirled of him and Dwyane Wade joining up in Wade’s hometown of Chicago. Bulls fans were ecstatic at the possibility. The New York Knicks were ready for Lebron to play on basketball's biggest stage at Madison Square Garden. But most of the country, including the Cavs owner and front office, expected Lebron to remain a Cav and never leave the city that adored him.
On July 8th, one week after Lebron became an unrestricted free agent, he announced that he would make his choice during a primetime special on ESPN, titled “The Decision.” Ironically, he would regret that title the rest of his life. In an ultimate betrayal of the Cleveland Cavs, he announced that he was taking his talent to South Beach. He would team up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh and form the first “Big 3” that the league had ever seen. In an overwhelming show of confidence, the trio joked of winning 7 or 8 championships, as the fans in Cleveland burned his jerseys.
But championship rings weren't just automatically given to Lebron and the Miami Heat. They lost in their first season together. But then in 2012 and 2013, they went back to back and looked unstoppable. It appeared that a Dynasty was being born. But just as fast as they won, they also lost. In 2014 the Heat lost in the Finals and Lebron was once again a free agent.
This time, there was little doubt where Lebron would be. Most everyone assumed he would re-up with the Miami Heat. But in a much more subtle way, he made his “decision” by talking with Sports Illustrated in an article that was titled, “I'm Coming Home.” The city of Cleveland went NUTS as fans celebrated in the streets.
Lebron promised the very people he had shunned a few years ago that he would bring them their first title. And although he didn't deliver in his first season back, he delivered in his second season.
Lebron James entered the 2017 NBA season with a record of 3 and 5 in the NBA Finals. Depending on who you ask, that is either a phenomenal feat, or extremely disappointing. It seems he has been chasing Michael Jordan his entire career, who went 6-0 in the NBA Finals.
But don't forget about the rest of Lebron’s accomplishments:
● 3x Finals MVP
● 4x NBA MVP
● 13x All-Star
● 2x All-Star Game MVP
● 11x All-NBA First Team
● 5x All-NBA Defensive First Team
● NBA Rookie of the Year
● NBA Leading Scorer
● All Time Playoff Points Scored
● 2x Olympic Gold Medal Winner
Few others have had as an impressive run in any professional sports league.
So what does this new season hold for Lebron James and the Cavs? Everyone knows about the turbulent offseason and the roster moves. Will this be Lebron’s last season in Cleveland? He is a free agent again at the end of the season. Will he once again break the city and the fans hearts and head to the Lakers, as rumored? Or is he back for good?
His next “decision” will likely be his final. But it probably depends on how the 2017-2018 season ends. Will Lebron be hoisting another trophy or will he be buying a new house in L.A.? I can't wait to find out.
Thank you for following @steemsports and you can follow me @scottybuckets Cheers!
What a career, has a chance to add a ship or two this season and next! Would be sweet if he can catch up to 5 with his 5 MVPs
Nice post. I really like how you put that informatio in the beginning about how everything was 15 years ago. Lebron james is a really hard working playet and deserves what he got. I reestemed and want to see more good post. Good work
Thank you! Can't wait to see the games tonight
There is no question about Lebron beeing one of the greatest who ever played the game. So many time have been compared with Jordan and there so many voices that he is even better! But he still have years to come ahead and many more records to break so i think the best is to wait and jump with a conclusion at the end of his carrier!😉
Im hoping cavs can pick up their first W today :)
Sports like a war without killing
Sports teaches you character, it teaches you to play by the rules, it teaches you to know what it feels like to win and lose-it teaches you about life.
Winners never quit and quitters never win.
best of luck for future