After immense chatter about potential retirement, LeBron James confirmed in his ESPYS speech that he would be returning for year 21. It is almost unbelievable that the Los Angeles Lakers Forward is about to turn 39 years old and is still able to perform at the highest level, against the ravages of father time. This past year was quite historic for James. Not only did he lead the Purple & Gold to the Western Conference Finals, but also became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in the regular season. Surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the all-time scorer’s list was quite the achievement. But $1,000,000 worth Fox Sports analyst Nick Wright believes that another feat could end up being the greatest accomplishment of Bron’s illustrious career.
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LeBron has been a big name associated with the GOAT debate. Even though Michael Jordan has been a frontrunner for the perpetual discussion, James has also been touted to be on the same tier as the Chicago Bulls legend. Some talking heads claimed that the four-time NBA Champion would be the undisputed GOAT if he surpassed Abdul-Jabbar to clinch the scoring record. But that feat, incredible as it was, didn’t seem to convince the majority of the NBA community. Fans and analysts still demand more silverware from LeBron to compete with Jordan for the prestigious title.
Nick Wright reveals what winning a title in Year 21 would mean for LeBron James
Recently, the First Things First panel had a brief discussion about the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James’ upcoming campaign. According to Nick Wright, if LBJ were to become the best player on a Championship-winning squad next year, it would be the greatest achievement in the history of pro basketball. Wright said during the show:
“If the Lakers win the title next year and LeBron is the level of player he was this year, which I think he was the best player on the team… I think it’ll be the greatest accomplishment of anyone’s career in the NBA. If you could be the best player on the Champion in Year 21… it at least is in the argument for the greatest accomplishment in the history of pro basketball.”
Wright then went on to talk about the productivity of all the players who suited up for a 21st season – Vince Carter, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, Kevin Willis, Robert Parish, and Moses Malone. These six all-time greats combined for 26.9 points per game with an average of 38.3 games played in their 21st year, the highest PPG being that of Vince Carter with 7.4 points. On the other hand, Bron just ended year 20, where he played 55 games and lodged a staggering 28.9 PPG. From what we saw in the postseason, it is extremely likely that James would replicate similar stats in year 21.
Wright isn’t wrong in his hypothesis. If LeBron becomes the best player on a title-winning roster in year 21, it would be a pretty impressive feat. However, it’s debatable if it will top the NBA’s all-time scoring leader accomplishment or not.
What was Michael Jordan’s stats at age 39?
Coming out of retirement after three years, Michael Jordan suited up for the Washington Wizards for the 2001-2002 & 2002-2003 campaigns. During his first campaign as a Wizard, at age 38, Jordan averaged 22.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. All the major stats are significantly lesser than what LeBron recorded at age 38.
At age 39, in what was His Airness’ final season ever, the 6-foot-6 Shooting Guard recorded 20 points, 6.1 rebounds, and, 3.8 assists, playing all 82 games. It may be difficult for James to suit up for all 82 games of the season, but there is a huge possibility that the four-time MVP records a better stat line by the end of the 2023-2024 season.
