The reign of LeBron James as the face of the NBA is slowly yet steadily coming to a close. The American has had an unprecedented career like none other.
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James arrived in 2003 as an 18-year-old with the expectations and prospects of an entire franchise burdening his shoulders. And while many would have regarded that as a hindrance to kickstarting their NBA careers, James welcomed the challenge with open arms.
Fast forward, 20 years later, he still remains a ‘Top 10’ player in the league in the 20th season of his career. The epitome of a generational talent.
In these 20 years, the Los Angeles Lakers talisman has displayed three varied versions of himself, adapting himself to the changing requirements of the league. And within these different styles of play, the ‘King’ has not only thrived but excelled as well.
And while LeBron James has had numerous laurels over the course of his decorated career, the only thing left for him to do is hand over the baton to the next generation as his watch is set to expire.
Who’s next after LeBron James?
The recent past half a decade has introduced the NBA to a major number of spectacular talents. Talents such as Luka Doncic, Ja Morant, Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum, Trae Young, and so on and so forth.
And while the four-time NBA champion’s career is yet to be concluded, one must take into consideration his age, when such debates arise. James is due to turn 38 in two days. As such it’s prudent to think about the next decade when he decides to retire.
On a recent episode of the ‘Byron Scott podcast’, the three-time NBA champion, invited popular comedian Aries Spears in for a chat. The pair indulged in an extensive discussion concerning numerous topics, but one that stood out was, who’s the heir to James’ throne?
“I like LeBron and I watch LeBron, but I just feel like when LeBron leaves, who’s the next big dude? Maybe Zion? If he can stay injury free? But who’s the next big dude?”
Zion Williamson isn’t a bad shout by any means. In fact, provided he can remain healthy, Williamson’s odds of being the face of the league for the decade to come is an attainable feat.
However, one can’t overlook and be oblivious to the obvious. Luka Doncic is the reincarnation of LeBron James in a European body. The Dallas Mavericks superstar has been hailed as the second coming of James, with the intention to be the next star of the decade.
Is Luka Doncic the answer?
Luka Doncic has had an extraordinary commencement to his NBA career. Since arriving in 2018, the Slovenian has gone on to be named an All-Star in three years out of the four he has played in the league.
In addition, the Mavericks protagonist has made the ‘All-NBA’ First team in the past three successive years, out of the total four he has played. A substantial player for the NBA in the decade to come.
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Not to mention, the 23-year-old is a walking triple-double, and observes, executes, and implements the game in the right manner, inculcating his team into the game. Similar to the way how the four-time NBA MVP, LeBron James approaches the game.
If anything, the coming years will be a crystal clear indication that Doncic is on course to be the face of the league.
