Carmelo Anthony Believes LeBron James ‘Lived Long Enough to Be Villain’ of NBA

Carmelo Anthony spoke on LeBron James' importance to the NBA.

Carmelo Anthony Believes LeBron James ‘Lived Long Enough to Be Villain’ of NBA

LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • LeBron James is in his 23rd NBA season, a record for longevity in the league.
  • Carmelo Anthony asserts that James remains the face of the NBA, regardless of team struggles.
  • James is uncertain about his retirement plans, stating, "When I know, you guys will know."

LeBron James will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball. His legacy is defined by sustained excellence and longevity. The 2025-26 campaign represents James’ 23rd season in the NBA. A number no player has achieved in league history.

Drafted as the number one pick in the 2003 NBA draft, LeBron James has achieved loads of accolades and has rewritten several NBA records. The four-time champion has been the face of the league for nearly two decades and continues to have unparalleled influence on the NBA.

Since acquiring Luka Doncic at the trade deadline last season, James has made it clear that the Slovenian guard is the focal point of the team as Lakers prepare for life in the post-James era. Despite turning 41, James has shown no signs of slowing down. After a slow start to the season, he is currently averaging 22 points, 5.8 rebounds and 7.1 assists.

With James in the final year of his contract with the Lakers, there have been doubts whether the 41-year-old will end his career with the Lakers as reports have emerged that he may join forces with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs would be more than willing to bring him back.

Another player drafted in 2003 and a good friend of James, Carmelo Anthony discussed how The King remains the face of the NBA, even when his team struggles on his 7PM in Brooklyn podcast.

He’s living long enough to be the villian. That’s what he’s doing. He’s doing everything at the top. Still holding this league down. This league don’t move without Bron. I don’t give a f*ck what nobody say. It don’t move without Bron. Until he’s gone. His position in this game is bigger than wins and losses throughout the season.

James may not be the player he once was but he is still the face of the NBA. Till he decides to hang up his boots, he will continue to be the main attraction.

LeBron James on who he thinks is going to win the NBA Finals this year

The Lakers went into the All-Star weekend with a convincing victory over the Dallas Mavericks. James ended the night with a triple-double, making him the oldest player in NBA history to record one.

The win improved their record to 33-21 as they find themselves in fifth place in the highly competitive Western Conference standings. Despite their impressive record, many still do not view them as championship contenders this season due to their poor defense against young and athletic teams.

During a press conference, James was asked who he thinks is going to win the NBA Finals this year. James answered:

Well obviously I’m going to say my team, the Lakers, but if you wanted me to pick one other team, I would say the Cavs. They for sure got some new great additions.

The Cavs have made a big addition in James Harden. With Harden joining forces with Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs can make some noise in a wide-open Eastern Conference.

LeBron James is uncertain about his retirement

While James has continued to defy father time, there is no doubt that he is at the backend of his career. At his current age, rumors of his retirement intensify with every passing month. But it has not stopped James from earning his 22nd All-Star selection.

LeBron James
LeBron James (Image credits – Cavaliers Nation/X)

The NBA veteran was asked if this season would be his final season in the NBA. James said:

When I know, you guys will know. I don’t know.

It appears that James remains uncertain about his retirement. The coming offseason will answer all the questions regarding James’ future, but for now, he is focused on doing what he does best for the Lakers.

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