LeBron James was the youngest player on the court when he made his NBA debut two decades ago. Today, at the age of 38, he is the league’s most veteran player. The path of the “Kid from Akron” has been nothing short of extraordinary, packed with records, honors, and the chase of basketball immortality. James’ 21st NBA season is a monument not just to his endurance, but also to his unwavering love for the game and unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
However, his business partner spoke about him in an interview. In that interview on Club Shay Shay, he spoke about how James’ success created jealousy in his neighborhood.
Rich Paul talks about people being jealous of James
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Rich Paul, his longtime friend/agent, recently starred in the Club Shay Shay. They asked him, “What is the vitri all of the older players towards LeBron?” To which Paul said, “It’s corny to me. Like I said, when you out there, you deal with certain things. You gotta remember when LeBron came in, a lot of guys were still in their prime. And all the attention turned to him. $100 million contract, real $100 million, not that fluff going around today. You know Jay Z sending a private jet when he was in high school, we going up to New York every other weekend. All these things, and so quite naturally in the neighborhood you develop an envy.”
Only two players in NBA history scored an average of 20 points per game while being 39 or older. James, who will be 39 years old on December 30th, is on course to become the third. During the 2002-03 season, Karl Malone and Michael Jordan accomplished this astounding achievement. Last season, the Lakers star was closing close on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record. This season, he is attempting to break another of the basketball legend’s records.
Read More: Entering Year 21, 38YO LeBron James Set to Make History Yet Again vs Nuggets on Opening Night
During the 1985-86 season, Abdul-Jabbar averaged 23.4 points as the league’s oldest player at the age of 39. James is motivated to set a new standard after never averaging fewer than 20.9 points in a season. He is about to begin his 21st NBA season, an accomplishment just a few people have accomplished. Only five other NBA players, including Vince Carter, Dirk Nowitzki, Moses Malone, Kevin Garnett, and Kevin Willis, have played in their 21st season.
However, what is James yet to accomplish after 20 seasons?
LeBron James dominates the sport of basketball
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In 13 instances, the distinction of “the oldest player” in an NBA season has been associated with All-Star selections. LeBron James, who has been an All-Star 19 times, is about to add to his history. He has more All-Star appearances than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and continues to dominate at an exceptional level.
This season, the four-time NBA champion is anticipated to retain his scoring prowess. The latest “oldest player” to average double digits in a season was John Stockton, who did so in 2002-03 at the age of 41. With his exceptional skill and physical condition, James has the potential to continue this trend.
LeBron James will become the 43rd player in NBA history to be the “oldest player.” While most players only hold this honor for a single season, James’s consistent success has elevated him to the league’s elder statesman. The NBA world is anticipating another historic feat as LeBron James approaches the 40,000-point mark in his regular-season career. As he approaches his 21st season, the “Kid from Akron” keeps rewriting what it means to be a professional athlete.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this Story: Lakers Fans are Unhappy With Darvin Ham’s Comments on LeBron James’ Future
Challenge Your Sports Knowledge!
Solve the puzzle and prove your knowledge of iconic players, terms, and moments.