Why LeBron James is the Most Influential Basketball Player Today
LeBron’s achievements off the court might be more impressive than his achievements on the court.
Four-time NBA Champion, four-time NBA Finals MVP, four-time MVP, 17-time NBA All-Star, 16 Time All-NBA, and that’s not even all of his accolades. LeBron being the GOAT (greatest of all time) will forever be up for debate. However, no matter what side of the debate you stand on, you cannot deny his once-in-a-generation type talent. His combination of skill, size, athleticism, and durability is very unlikely to be replicated.
There is no doubt that LeBron has developed an elite resume. However, his influence and legacy extend beyond the basketball court, and he has crafted an image that will live on in infamy. LeBron has completely changed the NBA, and his full impact won’t be realized until after he retires.
1. Pioneered the player empowerment era in the NBA
On July 8, 2010, LeBron James made an announcement that would shock fans, players, and the NBA as a whole. Hosted at a Boys and Girls Club in Connecticut, LeBron released a television special called “The Decision”, where he announced that he would be taking his talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat, teaming up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. This was a turning point in the NBA, and many argue that it officially ushered in the “superteam” era.
Although there is no official definition, a superteam is typically defined as a team that has three or more hall-of-fame caliber talents on their roster in their prime. Generally, superteams are disliked, and for valid reasons. Superteams reduce the entertainment value of the league, limit parity and competitiveness among teams, and punishes teams in small markets who already struggle to attract star talent. Despite the Decision being heavily scrutinized, it did have a change that was unbeknownst to everyone at the time, it officially ushered in the player empowerment era.
Historically, there were strong tensions between players and team owners (now called team governors). Many players were at the mercy of their team’s ownership, and they were limited in being able to have control over their legacies. This all changed with LeBron James.
Throughout his career, LeBron took a unique approach to his contracts, opting for shorter-term deals favouring flexibility over total earnings. In 2006, he signed a three-year $60 million contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, as opposed to the four-year max. With shorter deals, LeBron had the opportunity to search for better opportunities and had the possibility of leaving Cleveland if the team did not provide him with the tools needed for success.
Ultimately, when LeBron signs these shorter deals, the onus is placed on the owners to better cater to their superstars to keep them happy. Since the Decision, we have seen plenty of examples of players leveraging their power to carve their legacies.
In 2018, Kawhi Leonard famously “forced” his way out of San Antonio after months of tension between the two parties. After winning a championship with the Toronto Raptors, Kawhi once again made a power move, signing with the Los Angeles Clippers on the condition that they traded for Paul George.
After 7 seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, they continuously failed to provide Anthony Davis with the pieces needed to contend for an NBA Championship. After months of tension, he was able to “force” a trade out of New Orleans to join LeBron James and the Lakers, where they later won an NBA Championship.
Some fans may consider these moves as selfish or self-centered, however, they’re ultimately giving power back to players, and allowing them to have more control over their legacies. This all began with LeBron in 2010, and it is almost certain that we will see more players leveraging their power to craft their narrative in the future.
2. Redefined what a player’s “prime” means
At the time of writing this article, LeBron James is sitting out, rehabilitating a high ankle sprain he sustained on March 20th. With over 1,306 regular-season games and 260 playoff games played in his entire career, this is only the second time that he has missed a large stretch of games due to a major injury. Considering the longevity of his career, this in itself is remarkable.
Looking at his skill set, even after 18 years of playing basketball at the highest level, he has not seen a significant decline in his game. For most players, when you reach the age of 36, you are in the twilight of your career. If you’re not yet retired, you are likely playing the role of a wise veteran, acting as a mentor for a younger co-star.
However, at age 36, LeBron James is still dominating the league, averaging 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists per game. Without his current high-ankle injury, he could have easily been competing for his fifth career MVP award.
This durability and longevity will likely not be replicated anytime in the near future.
“I want to kind of try to break the mold for the next generation. So just take the narrative out of ‘OK, you’re past your prime when you get [to] 31, or you’re past your prime in your 12th year in the league, or whatever the case may be.’ Hopefully I can break the mold so when the next guy comes, he can still get 200 or 300 million and be 33 years old”
While LeBron is still in the league, he wants to change the way we look at age, and what fans and media define as a player’s prime. With no signs of aging, fans will likely get to see 40-year-old LeBron James dominating rookies who are half his age.
3. His heart is bigger than his game
Despite all the fame and all the hype that surrounds LeBron, he has never forgotten his roots. LeBron comes from humble beginnings, growing up impoverished and lacked stability during his childhood. As a result, LeBron empathizes with the plight that many underprivileged children experience today.
LeBron is a strong supporter of children and wants to do everything in his power to ensure that underprivileged kids today have the opportunity to unleash their potential.
Despite generating a lot of controversies, the Decision television special generated approximately $2.5 million in donations for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. In addition to supporting the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, LeBron has also made extensive contributions to the Children’s Defense Fund, OneXOne, and After-School All-Stars, organizations focused on providing resources to underprivileged children.
However, LeBron’s greatest philanthropic venture has to be his I Promise Schools. Through the help of the LeBron James Family Foundation, I Promise Schools aimed to provide at-risk children with quality education and opportunities that they otherwise would not have.
When LeBron was in fourth grade, he missed 83 days of school due to his mother being unsuccessful in securing permanent work, forcing the pair to move often. That experience taught LeBron the importance of stability and quality education, and he works to ensure that the I Promise Schools provide just that.
The I Promise School officially opened in 2018 and will be fully operational by 2022 where it will serve students from grades 1 through 8.
LeBron’s legacy and his story are still being written by the day. Right now, it is his achievements on the court that generate the most media attention, however, his philanthropic work off the court will be what truly defines his legacy.
