> “I think people will look back at that body of work over 20 years or however long it’s been, and when it’s over with, I think they’ll have more respect (for James),” said Damian Lillard, Giannis’ star teammate on the Milwaukee Bucks. “For the guys who are in it like I am, and the rest of us who do this job, got to put our bodies through it and got to deal with the pressure and have to perform and all of these things to go along with our personal lives, I think people like us respect it.
> “But when it’s over, what I think you guys, fans that just have watched, will respect him more later.”
> Lillard’s first year in the NBA was in 2012, following James’ first NBA title. Lillard said he was in the eighth grade when LeBron made his NBA debut and to this day marvels at how James exceeded the expectations placed upon his career while under unprecedented scrutiny.
> “I was watching him on ESPN back then, so to have that type of hype and to live up to it and then some,” Lillard said, “to come out as your all-time leading scorer in this league, to win how he’s won, to be as scrutinized as he is and has been. … I can just respect how he (has handled the pressure).”
> Antetokounmpo’s first season was James’ last in Miami. Since, LeBron went home to Cleveland for a second stint, reaching four NBA Finals and winning the 2016 title. Then James left for Los Angeles, where he became the first player in NBA history to be the best player on title teams in three cities.
> Giannis now has two MVPs and one championship to his name. He said James has provided the “blueprint” for any star seeking longevity atop the sport.
> “For 21 years, you never get in trouble, to be able to take in his family, protect this family, raise his kids the right way, you know, be happily married, all those things, it’s perfect,” Antetokounmpo said. “He’s kind of like setting the blueprint for the rest of us to go forward. That’s what I want. I want to be able to do what I do on the court consistently, be good, be healthy, be available for my team, be able to, you know, raise my family in a bubble away from what I do on the court for them to have a normal life as much as I can. Stay out of trouble.
> “And hopefully one day, you know, when I’m done from the game of basketball … maybe you mention me? I don’t know. But he sets up the blueprint for all the athletes that enter the NBA to follow.”
Link: https://theathletic.com/4982115/2023/10/23/lebron-james-final-stage-career/?fbclid=IwAR2xX8lulzx4O5RU-E2-oRWJgZd5zG9Bhse8Qb8AcK0Y1-LMTSNDAMK9DzA
32 comments
All these comments are going to be hilarious if Lebron ends up doing some crazy shit eventually.
LeFamily Man
The fact that LeBron has set the blueprint on how to handle yourself as an athlete/businessman and make billions is why I’m so annoyed at Ja.
Like just copy LeBron lad it isn’t that hard to not go out.
>Maybe you meantion me?
The way he asks it in a question is so adorable.
Bron arguably has one of the best PR teams in sports history. Up there with MJ’s.
Not saying he’s guilty of anything but he’s got everything covered and protected.
Real recognize real
Did he say that right in front of Dame, who’s currently working through a divorce and (potential) custody fight?
Anybody that can support China committing human rights violations is not a great person. He literally came out and said that supporting the Chinese people would hurt his income and I’m supposed to think this guy is “the blueprint”?
But r/nba still hates him hmm
Yeah Lebron’s biggest scandals are what, putting money ahead of principles and then kicking a trash can?
I fucking hate the basketball player and I don’t love the hypocrisy, but LeBron has been as good a face of the sport as you could possibly ask for.
Not one chick has accused him of anything in 20 years. No side babies nothing
it really is nuts how scandal free he’s been. since what, like 2002? probably earlier. the biggest controversy his career has seen is when he decided to change teams in free agency and people acted like he sold nuclear secrets to the kremlin
He might have some gaffs here and there, but I’m never embarrassed by him when he represents the USA.
He’s the perfect guy to represent the USA.
Lol I love how LeBron has people convinced of this. That’s how you know his team is doing a good job
His legacy is tarnished in my eyes for supporting Israel, China, Saudi Arabia, etc. And you wonder why Kareem barely spoke to the guy
I sat in my dorm room as a freshman to watch his NBA debut and would’ve never believed 20 years later that he’d accomplish as much as he as and that his biggest fuck up would be “The Decision.”
LeJesus
Especially if you consider the fact that he experienced crazy fame at a young age. Very impressive.
You clear him Giannis
L pm
Maybe I see too much b.s. in the entertainment world but Lebron is a billion dollar brand. Not saying he’s a POS but I find it hard to believe he’s been this squeaky clean. He’s probably overall a very good dude who probably made some mistakes or did some fun stuff but I think also he’s a huge brand and has a great mixture of security and PR.
I highly doubt that LeBron only banged one woman since 18. He probably have lots of contracts and NDAs prepared for those ladies. I remember reading a thread about Justin Bieber doing that stuff. Most likely LeBron doing that too, if not even more legally binding.
Spot on assessment that LeBron will be adored once he announces he’s retiring. I didn’t watch sports until 2003. I don’t know an NBA without LeBron
Eh, I really appreciate Morants ability to continue to fuck up the bag and pretend it’s not a problem. Goat things.
But does Lebron have a blowjob bell??
Fraud.
It’s amazing. The way people speak about LeBron sometimes you’d think he was a guy with a dozen arrests.
All this time in the intense heat of the public eye, so many people hoping for his downfall and yet all the major controversies have been manufactured.
The guy has been remarkably squeaky clean. He should be absolutely hailed and lauded as a role model for young men around the world.
LeNDA
Remember when his mom got that new Hummer
Giannis to Lakers confirmed. Welcome to L.A., Giannis.
For the first decade of his career, the biggest controversy was how he announced he was going to Miami. Since then, a little hot water with Nike and the school he founded isn’t that great of a school. But other than that, squeaky clean.
People acting like it’s easy to follow that blueprint when you unimaginable access with little to no repercussion. Like waking up in a video game with all the cheat codes, it takes an incredible amount of self control to carry out a career like Lebrons.
Totally agree lebron is awesome but why’d Giannis include “protect his family” like Bron is out here fighting saber tooth tigers with a club.