“I’ve always understood it as responsibility,” LeBron James reacts to being ‘face of the NBA’ in lengthy post-game advice for youngsters

LeBron James was seen as Michael Jordan's obvious heir right since highschool.

“I’ve always understood it as responsibility,” LeBron James reacts to being ‘face of the NBA’ in lengthy post-game advice for youngsters

LeBron James is the face of the NBA. (Image via BBC)

The LA Lakers continue to constantly count on the great LeBron James, who is now 39 years old. With more than 2 decades in the NBA, he is not only one of the greatest of all time, but also the oldest active player in the league currently. Seen as Michael Jordan‘s heir right from the start of his career, James has set an exemplary example of professionalism during his career.

Recently, after a win over the in-form New York Knicks, LeBron was asked about his perspective on ‘being the face of the NBA.’ That title has largely been given to LeBron simply because of the way he became a global superstar, within a handful of seasons since his arrival, in 2003.

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However, it seems as if for LeBron himself, the title of the ‘face of the NBA’ is not one he particularly cherishes. On the other hand, he sees it as a responsibility:

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It is a responsibility. There's so many kids that look up to us as professional basketball players, look up to us as NBA guys., that have looked up to me in my 2-plus decades. So I think it is my responsibility you not only play at a high level but also represent the league with the utmost respect, give back to the league cause the league has given me so much and just try to set an example for the next generation. I never think like "'Oh, I'm the face of the NBA,' I've never ever even said that. I've just always understood it as a responsibility. Be a professional, just be a pro.

LeBron, in a nutshell, acknowledged the millions of kids worldwide who look up to NBA players such as himself. James himself strives to set a positive example for the next generation, which has been very apparent over the years.

LeBron James has been the face of the NBA ever since he arrived in the league

A Leader On and Off the Court, LeBron’s impact has transcended the basketball court. Never involved in controversial controversies, LeBron has maintained a squeaky-clean image throughout his career. His disciplined approach, both as a player and as a family man, sets him apart in a generation that is often caught in controversies, due to the sheer extent of social media, and the internet.

James arrived in Cleveland back in 2003. (Image via SI)

James is a 20-time All-Star, the first ever to reach that number, a 4-time NBA champion, and a 4-time MVP. His discipline has especially been apparent in recent years, with his physical levels only minorly dropping in recent seasons. He has emerged as the Lakers’ best player even at the age of 39, an achievement which in itself is unheard of.

James is a firm family man, and often uses his platform to underline the importance of having a supportive family. He has even claimed that his family comes first to him, something which has also been evident via his interviews and actions over the years. James continues to be the obvious face of teh NBA, and it does not look like things will change anytime soon.

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