'If Jesus came on the court, I still wanna be better than him' - When 21-year-old LeBron set sky-high expectations for himself and exceeded them

LeBron James continues to break the boundaries of what was considered normal well into his 22nd year in the league. Throughout most of those campaigns, Bron was arguably a Top 5 player in the NBA, reigning supreme as the best for a good portion. And when we reflect on the hype he received as a high schooler, it's clear that "The King" exceeded all expectations—even his own.

"Of course. That's my goal," James responded when asked in 2005 about the importance of being the best player in the league.

"When I step on the court, I always want to be the best. And if you don't feel that way as a player—I don't have nothing to strive for. It doesn't matter who's on the court. If Jesus came on the court, I still wanna be better than him. That's just my mind frame. That's why I've gotten to this position I'm at now," the Cleveland Cavaliers youngster added.

LeBron proved he is at the top

It's clear that the best athletes on the court often have the best mindset off it, and this is exactly what then-21-year-old LeBron displayed in his statement. Although he was only in his third season in the league at the time, LBJ had already surpassed the 30 points per game mark, became a runner-up for MVP, and was named to the All-NBA First Team. It seemed like only a small step remained for LeBron to be considered the best of the best. And that's exactly what happened. 

Over the next few seasons, "L-Train" took his game to another level, if there was any above it. Between 2008 and 2013, he took home four Most Valuable Player awards and, most importantly, finally put a ring on his finger. Though it wasn't with the team that drafted him, LeBron had finally claimed the throne of the Association, proving he was the best at last. Many will say he took the easy route, but LeBron didn't take a backseat; he drove the bus.

How much "The King" has in store?

Although he continues to lead in the marathon race against Father Time, it remains to be seen how much longer the fans will be able to enjoy "The King's" performances. Currently averaging his lowest point total since his rookie season, it's clear that LeBron is handing the reins to the new generation of superstars. Recently, the Los Angeles Lakers forward gave a possible timeline for when he will finally hang up his boots.

"I'm not going to play much longer to be completely honest. I don't know how many years that is. One year or two years or whatever the case may be. Like I said the other night, I'm not going to play until the wheels fall off," James said recently.

Until that moment knocks on the door, it's up to us to sit back and enjoy every bit of one of the most legendary careers in all of sports.