An Honest Conversation About LeBron’s Longevity

I’m just raising the question, because I think there’s some ignored aspects to consider… So how about you? Do you think LeBron’s longevity is helping or hurting his legacy??

Legacies are so subjective. I appreciate that a player decides to play and give the viewers more entertainment. Are you really gonna complain about an older player trying to play at a high level? Not to mention succeeding? Doesn’t matter who it is? Jordan, or Lebron. Jordan’s stint in Washington was awesome, same with Lebron’s older years in LA. The fact they’re balling at an old age only adds to their “legacy”, whatever that’s supposed to constitute, in my opinion.

“hey [Kevin] Willis. you single? my grandmother kind of likes you” -a heckler, circa 2003

I am someone who values ​​continuity. I think Jordan playing 82 out of 82 games at the age of 40 was very important. And I think it contributes to Jordan in the goat debate. It may be a minus that they didn't make the playoffs, but it is definitely a positive in the overall situation. The same goes for Lebron. Being selected to the All NBA Team as the oldest player in the league is truly extraordinary. When Lebron broke the scoring record, we talked about how that record hadn't been broken for 40 years and praised Kareem. No one talked about how bad he was in his later years. I know Lebron probably won't win more rings. And I know that only 4 rings in 23 seasons looks bad. But the fact that someone who played 21+ seasons and is 39+ years old can still play at such a high level is inspiring and definitely something that enhances his legacy.

He’s 7th all time in PPG, over a 21 year period. Pretty solid I think

Years ago I said it hurt Jordan's legacy but now I say it helped because he showed how he was able dominate the "new school" as well.

I think it's helping him, but for many of us, peak production and achievements matter more. However, I dislike how focused everyone is on the GOAT debate. You can't praise LeBron without someone assuming you're calling him the GOAT and hating on MJ. No, MJ is my GOAT easily, but LeBron is also an incredibly great player. First led the league in scoring and averaged 31.4 points per game at age 21, played point guard for a season at age 35 and led the league in assists per game with 10.2, fucked around at age 37 and dropped 30ppg again, now averaging 25, 7, 8 heading into his 40s. You don't have to think he's the GOAT, basketball isn't just about that shit, how biased or casual do you have to be to not see how impressive that is? *edit*: lmfao even when you try to have a thought-out take mfs will complain. One replied to downplay LeBron being old as shit and still being a top player. Another dude said only LeBron haters emphasize peak. Do NBA fans even enjoy basketball? Or is it only about hating on dudes and sucking off your favorite player?

Guys like Robert Parish and Moses Malone played long last thier prime and it did not subtract from thier legacy.

My problem is that for all the time before, every other athlete in any and all sports were seen as great because they were able to do great things on the biggest stage, win it all, and be the best player on the team doing it. It's only for LeBron that we've seen the narrative shift towards individual stats and accolades over winning, and it's a change I am not a big fan of. I think if he was really the greatest to ever do it he wouldn't have to tell you every chance he gets.

Some nice points to consider Johnny. I don't think his legacy is effected until he becomes a liability. But those who hate on him, or worship him, won't have their opinions change no metter what. I think anyways

A candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long - Lao Tzu's take on MJ vs Lebron

I mean I think what he's doing to maintain his legacy is the real issue. He's clearly using other means to keep himself physically on top and has been since Miami. If/when it truly comes out that will be the biggest blow to the legacy

As mentioned with MJ's 6 rings in 8 years we also shouldn't discredit that LeBron won 4 rings in 10 years while reaching the finals every single playoff run. And his losses were against two of the greatest dynasties in NBA history and the Mavericks. Though some of the criticism for the Mavs series is justified as a German it really annoys me that that Mavs team doesn't get the recognition it deserves. They were a great team which they proved throughout the entire playoff and in the Finals they exploited his lacking post game and kept him out of the paint very well.

It depends on how you criticize a player , you cant keep all the good and avoid the bad . Nice to hear someone finally say it . If you criticized Jordan because of his Wizards day then you should critize Lebron for last few seasons with the Lakers . I personally dont think it hurts his legacy but it doesnt help his legacy either. He will still be remembered as one of the greats to ever play the game

I don't think the longevity really hurts his case. It just doesnt really change both positively or negatively. However the longer he plays, the longer he potentially still would be able to get a chip, which he'll most likely still at that point would have a solid impact. But if he doesnt actually win, its not really doing a lot for him. If it would, Kareem with all his accolades wouldve probably still been called the GOAT.

It's impressive LeBron has been playing excellently after his 17th year. I thought he would have declined severely. But he's still excellent after all this time

Your take about stacked teams proves that coaching, system and team philosophy matters more than star power. Which is good for the nba overall

Changing this comment so that hopefully people stop replying because I could never care enough to reply to all of this

Keep in mind, at the end of the day, this is all entertainment. And here’s a fact about sports’ legacies. The more unmemorable seasons a player has, the more it hurts their legacy. It’s why Moses Malone never gets mentioned in the goat conversation. You could put Malone’s peak 6 year stretch up with any player in NBA’s history peak 6 year stretch. But he played so many seasons that Moses Malone doesn’t get remembered for how great he was during that 6 year run he had.

Karl Malone has been the 2nd Career Points Leader for decades. Did that made him "THE" BETTER SCORER than Mj? Bird? Kobe? This applies to Lebron too, who is a Malone + dribbling skill coast to coast. And yes, he developed his jumper through his career but still, he's not the scorer Mj, Kobe, and Bird was.