Jul 25, 2024, 08:00 AM ETOpen Extended Reactions
When LeBron James entered the NBA as the top pick in the 2003 draft, he did so in the face of seemingly impossible expectations.
James already had graced a Sports Illustrated cover with the headline “The Chosen One.” His high school games had been broadcast on national television for more than a year. He was one of the most anticipated rookies in the history of the sport.
More than 20 years later, James has not only met those expectations; he has exceeded them.
Today, the 39-year-old superstar — in the middle of trying to lead Team USA to a fifth straight Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games — is still among the best players on the planet.
James is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. He reached eight consecutive NBA Finals and 10 in total. He has hoisted four Larry O’Brien Trophies, including leading the