“I want to be like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson” - When LeBron James admitted wanting to be like NBA icons “off the court”
LeBron James' career hasn't concluded yet, but he's already one of the best players in NBA history. Despite having a few more years left in his tank, the four-time NBA champion is even considered the greatest basketball player of all time by some fans.
James has done a miraculous job in two years in the league. Considering that he's always dealt with high expectations, it's amazing to see that he's met them.
Even before he entered the prestigious basketball league, LeBron was compared to several basketball legends, including Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. In an interview from 2002, the young basketball star admitted that he wanted to be like them.
LeBron James wanted to be like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson
LeBron was the best prospect in his class by a large margin. While many other players from the 2003 NBA draft, like Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony, ended up having fantastic careers, no one was as successful as James.
Before he was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the first overall pick, the talented player received a lot of media attention. He was heralded as the next generational superstar, which is precisely what he's become.
2002 interview (@KingJames) talks about the comparison to MJ/Magic, dealing with pressure from the public, and striving for greatness 👑 https://t.co/ky7X0gOeMV
When asked about comparisons to some of the all-time great players like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson, here is what the young LeBron said:
"It makes me work even harder to get to the level that Magic, Michael, Bird, Julius, and now that Kobe [Bryant] and Tracy [McGrady] are in the league."
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James added:
"It's great to be compared to some of the greats. When I look at that, I want to be like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson, not on the court, but off the court."
The talented young player also said that he set the bar high for himself and that he would continue to work hard and improve his game. Considering that he said all of this more than 20 years ago, it's safe to say that he's achieved his goal.
LeBron James in Year 20
LeBron James is currently playing his 20th season in the NBA and he's still incredible. The 18-time All-Star has appeared in 24 games so far this season, averaging 27.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists.
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Despite turning 38 on December 30, James is still the best player for the Los Angeles Lakers and one of the best players in the entire league.
LeBron James only needs to score 668 more points to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the all-time scoring list. If he keeps playing, he could become the league's top scorer by March 2023.
With this current scoring pace, James needs to play 25 more games to get to the top of the list.