LeBron James recently took possession of another record in the NBA. After getting named to the NBA All-Star games for the 20th time, the 39-year-old superstar has broken yet another record of the legend, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, who had 19 appearances. This is just one record in a long list of others. Some of Bron’s accolades at All-Star include being crowned the youngest All-Star MVP at the age of 21 and scoring 426 points, the highest career points in the All-Star games. Not just this, but James has also played 524 minutes, which is the highest number of minutes played by a player in his career at the All-Stars.
Even though James has scaled almost every height possible in basketball, he shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. However, there are a few whispers that LeBron may not always be available to play these games. Let’s break them down.
Why this could be the last All-Star appearance of the King?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As the 2024 NBA All-Star Game approaches, murmurs surrounding LeBron James’ possible final appearance at the prestigious event get stronger. And there are many factors that in theory support this notion. As LeBron decides to invest more time and focus on his off-court operations, including his production business and charity projects, the pressures on his health and physical well-being increase. This, along with the desire to maintain his fitness for the postseason push, may cause James to prefer rest over an All-Star participation.
Not only health but as there is a wave of a new generation of players entering the NBA, the King might decide to give them the center stage to showcase their talents and abilities to the world and finally pass the torch. This transition also aligns with James’ mentoring legacy as he is heavily invested in the sport of basketball and, because of spending about two decades in the league, he knows the ins and outs of it very well.
Furthermore, the 2024 All-Star Game might serve as an appropriate conclusion to his remarkable All-Star career. From the time of his initial participation in 2005, James has been the constant figure at every All-Star festivity, winning several MVP awards and sealing his place as one of the game’s all-time greats. If a potential departure is approaching, the 2024 All-Star Game serves as a symbolic stage for his fans and teammates to honor his incredible accomplishments in the sport he loves the most.
Read More: LeBron James Doubles Down on Love For New York Amid Rampant Knicks Trade Links
While this may be just rumors and whispers, it is also important to note what the veteran himself has to say about his participation.
LeBron James’ All-Star legacy will continue
Looking at the way LeBron James’ career trajectory is heading, the basketball community will not be surprised to see the 4x NBA champion playing the All-Star game next year as well. Even though the Akron Hammer is aging and is one of the oldest players in the league, his game shows no signs of decline. This season alone, Bron has been putting up exceptional numbers by averaging 24.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game.
In his 19 All-Star appearances, LeBron has averaged 22.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, which shows his consistency as James has been getting selected for the All-Star games since 2005. Apart from stats, the L-Train has made it clear that he has no intentions of retiring anytime soon. He has even jokingly said once that he will play until the age of 40 to his full potential. Then he will shoot 5000 points only with his left hand and after achieving that, he will call it quits.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
LeBron James:
“I’m gonna play until I’m 40. Then, after 40, I’m gonna go all left hand until I’m 45. I’m gonna score 5,000 points with my left hand. Then I’ll be done.”pic.twitter.com/XAl1ExA0FM
— Witness King James (@WITNESSKJ) December 13, 2023
Due to that, until the Chosen One is playing in the NBA, he will be a part of the All-Star games as the fans will always vote for him. His participation in it or choosing to sit out is something that we will see as the time comes.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
So, what do you think? Will LeBron James be part of the future All-Star games or not? Let us know in the comments below.
Watch this Story: 39-Year-Old LeBron James Ends 2023 High and Way Above Fellow Veteran Stephen Curry in Elite NBA List