LeBron James 'humbled' by record-setting 20th All-Star starter selection
LeBron James has been selected to the 2024 NBA All-Star team as a starter. It is the 20th consecutive year James has achieved this feat, setting a new record . When speaking with the media following the Los Angeles Lakers' win over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, the veteran superstar admitted he was 'humbled' by the news.
“I’ve exceeded expectations in my career. So it’s just humbling, it’s very cool to be able to continue to have accomplishments throughout your career,” James said. “But I’ve exceeded anything further than what I ever dreamed about that I will be in the NBA. I did that a long time ago. So everything else is kind of just extra credit. I’m very, very humbled by still been able to play the game that I love and have these accomplishments along the way.”
At 39 years old, James remains one of the best players in the NBA. This season, he's averaging 24.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists, shooting 52% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range. When he is playing at the top of his game, he remains one of the most unstoppable players in the NBA. As such, it's fair to say he hasn't been named to the All-Star game based on popularity alone.
However, with the Lakers struggling to produce this season, there will likely be concerns about how much longer James can continue to command a starting spot at the All-Star game. Next year, he will be 40. The Lakers figure to begin exploring how their future looks once he eventually calls time on his historical career.
For now, though, James deserves all the accolades coming his way.
To still be among the top-10 players in the league in his 21st NBA season is incredible. It's not inconceivable that James could play until his mid-40s before we saw any major slippage in his production – his conditioning is that good.
We should enjoy James while he's still an active player. He will be sorely missed when he eventually retires. As such, seeing him suit up at the All-Star Game next month will be a moment to cherish. Both for him and for fans around the world. Once again, LeBron is providing the NBA with a moment of historic greatness.
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