The path to LeBron James solidifying his argument as being perhaps the greatest basketball player ever is narrowing as his career starts to wind down. While he’s still playing at about as high a level as he always has, minus the defensive end of the court, he is 39 years of age.
He recently signed a two-year contract to remain with the Los Angeles Lakers, with the second year of that deal being a player option. In a recent interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, he admitted it could be his final NBA contract.
For those eager to proclaim James as the greatest to ever play the game, his best argument is his longevity rather than peak performance. Just days from now, he will begin his quest for his third Olympic gold medal, which would break a tie he holds with Michael Jordan, the man many consider the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T.).
Former teammate Kendrick Perkins says it’s something James wants to add to his legacy (h/t Cavaliers Nation).
"If LeBron James can get one up on [Michael Jordan] in that category, you best believe he's going to do everything in his power to do that."🏅 @KendrickPerkins says LeBron is trying to break his tie with Michael Jordan's two gold Olympic medals 👀 pic.twitter.com/1c1V7HGsVR
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 22, 2024
James picked and chose his spots in Team USA’s first three exhibition games, but in the last two, he turned it up with a combined 45 points to carry his squad to victory in crunch time versus South Sudan and Germany.
It’s debatable how much a third gold medal would help James’ argument as the GOAT in the court of public opinion. On the other hand, he won a bronze medal with Team USA in the 2004 Olympics, as well as another one at the 2006 FIBA World Championship.
It should be noted that Kevin Durant, who is currently sidelined with a calf strain, would win his fourth gold medal, which would be an all-time record for USA men’s basketball, if the squad goes all the way in the next few weeks.
