Charles Barkley praises LeBron James for staying out of trouble and fulfilling expectations since he was drafted at 18
LeBron James is arguably the best player of all time, but what he's been able to do in terms of his off-the-court success needs to be talked about more.
The success that he has found hasn't been anything that people weren't expecting. Anyone that followed the NBA during his high school days knew he was going to be one of the best players that this league has ever seen.
Charles Barkley gave James a ton of praise during the TNT pregame show, saying LeBron is the greatest sports story of all time. His reasoning is because of the success he found at a younger age, unlike Kobe Bryant.
"I think his story is the greatest sports story of all time," Barkley said.
"I think his story is the greatest sports story of all time."
Charles on @KingJames https://t.co/cn8wq0lB70
Comparing Lebron James’ early career with other greats in NBA
LeBron James had one of the best starts to a career that any player has ever had. In his first season, in 2003, with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists. He was a force to be reckoned with the second he stepped into the NBA, and there's a reason why he's arguably the best prospect the world will ever see.
Also comparable was Michael Jordan. Jordan averaged 28.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 5.9 apg and 2.4 steals per game. He did so while also playing 82 games that season. An argument between who's better when talking about LeBron and Michael Jordan is tough. Both players have the upper hand, depending on who you're talking to. There are certain ways thier careers can be ranked, but Michael had a better start.
Other iconic rookie seasons include those of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Tim Duncan, Oscar Robertson, David Robinson, Walt Bellamy, Wes Unseld and Larry Bird. It's a rare and impressive company.
LeBron James’ journey as a star coming in NBA
Coming into his long NBA career, the world knew that LeBron James was going to be one of the best players that this game will ever see. He was a local basketball star since elementary school and continued that in high school.
James went to St. Vincent-St. Mary High School and was named Ohio's Mr. Basketball. On top of that, he was a three-time Ohio state champion. LeBron hit the spotlight when he appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, which was headlined as "The Chosen One."
James was the consensus national high school player of the year as a senior and then entered the NBA draft without going to college. NBA players can't do that anymore, but they can join the G League. LeBron even signed an endorsement deal with Nike before even stepping onto the court.
James is entering his fifth season with the LA Lakers and had his first game of the season on Tuesday against the defending world champion Golden State Warriors. He won't have an easy task winning this game, but if there's one player who can carry a team, it's James. Even at this age, he's still one of, if not, the best player in the NBA.