Very few names in professional basketball carry the weight and resonance that LeBron James does. Revered for his exceptional skill set, unparalleled versatility, and unwavering commitment to excellence, James has transcended the sport to become a cultural icon and the undisputed face of the NBA. However, as James approaches his 40th birthday, the time may soon come for him to pass the torch. When that moment arrives, Jayson Tatum is poised to step up and vie for the prestigious title.

However, Tatum does not want to make any claims right now and would rather let a championship do the talking for him. During a press conference during the All-Star weekend, when asked about who would be the next face of the league after James retires, Tatum confidently stated, “That’s tough. If we win a championship, I got something to say about it.”

His bold claim to be LeBron James’ successor sparked widespread criticism, as they took to X (formerly Twitter) to brutally roast the 5x All-Star. One fan commented, “Bro hit his head this morning.”

Another fan didn’t mince words, questioning whether a single championship ring would suffice to cement his status as the league’s face, especially considering his repeated playoff disappointments.

One fan remarked, “somebody tell him that ain’t how it works.”

One fan pointed out that he has yet to even win MVP honours.

However, he found some fans who stepped up to his defense, citing his immense popularity within the basketball community.

Regardless of what others think, JT is confident in himself and his skills. However, with the NBA’s ring culture, it is hard to blame him for wanting to have a ring to even be a part of that conversation. So, can he win the championship that, if not solidify his position, will at least potentially place him in contention to be the next face of the league this season?

Can the Celtics win a championship this season?

Despite being perennial title contenders, the Boston Celtics have failed to make a push for a championship since they last lifted the trophy in 2008. The closest they have come to breaking this 15-year drought was in 2022 when they made it to the NBA Finals only to be shut down by the Golden State Warriors in a six-game victory. Tatum and Jaylen Brown have cemented themselves as an elite duo in the league; however, despite this status, they haven’t been able to make a run for the championship.

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This season could very well be different, given their current form. They are betting favorites to win the title this year, having led the team to a league-best 43-12 record this season. Tatum is averaging 27.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, while Brown is right behind with his 22 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. As a result, Tatum is off to All-Star weekend for the fifth straight year, while Brown is making his third All-Star appearance in the last four years.

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