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LeBron James Is The Oldest And Youngest Player To Make An All-NBA Team
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James continues to defy the limits of athletic longevity, achieving the extraordinary milestone of being named to the All-NBA team at both the youngest and oldest ages in league history. In the 2023-24 NBA season, at 39 years old, LeBron secured his place on the All-NBA Third Team, marking his 20th selection. This achievement complements his earlier distinction as the youngest player to be named to an All-NBA team at just 20 years old.

LeBron’s journey to his first All-NBA selection began in his second season in the league. At 20, he posted impressive averages of 27.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 2.2 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game. 

He shot 47.2% from the field and 35.1% from three-point range. His performance earned him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team and an All-Star game selection. Despite his stellar play, the Cleveland Cavaliers finished ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 42-40 record, missing the playoffs as there was no play-in tournament at the time.

Fast forward 19 years, and LeBron, now in his 21st NBA season, remains a dominant force. At 39, he averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game, with shooting splits of 54.0% from the field and 41.0% from beyond the arc. 

His consistent excellence earned him his 20th consecutive All-Star selection and a place on the All-NBA Third Team. The Lakers finished the regular season with a 47-35 record, securing the 7th seed through the play-in tournament, but were eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in five games during the first round of the playoffs.

LeBron James has carved out a legendary career in the NBA, marked by an impressive array of accolades and achievements that showcase his unparalleled skill and dedication to the sport.

First and foremost, LeBron's legacy is defined by his remarkable success in winning NBA championships. He has secured the coveted title four times, hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.

In addition to his championship triumphs, LeBron's dominance on basketball's biggest stage is further underscored by his four Finals MVP awards. His exceptional performances in the championship series earned him this prestigious honor in 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2020, solidifying his status as a clutch performer when it matters most.

LeBron's impact on the league extends beyond his championship success, as evidenced by his four NBA MVP awards. Recognized as the league's most valuable player in 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2013, LeBron's combination of scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and defensive acumen has consistently set him apart as one of the greatest players of all time.

A testament to his sustained excellence, LeBron has been named to the All-NBA Team a remarkable 20 times throughout his career. This unprecedented achievement includes 13 First Team selections, 3 Second Team selections, and 4 Third Team selections, further solidifying his status as a perennial All-Star and top performer in the league.

Speaking of All-Star appearances, LeBron's resume boasts an impressive 20 selections to the NBA All-Star Game. His consistent presence among the league's elite players is a testament to his enduring popularity and unwavering excellence on the court.

Beyond his offensive prowess, LeBron's defensive contributions have also been widely recognized, earning him six selections to the NBA All-Defensive Team. With 5 First Team selections and 1 Second Team selection, LeBron's commitment to both ends of the floor has solidified his reputation as a complete player.

In addition to his myriad individual and team accomplishments, LeBron has also claimed a scoring title, leading the league in scoring during the 2007-2008 season.

Finally, LeBron's ascent to the top of the NBA's all-time scoring list, surpassing the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, further cements his legacy as one of the greatest players in basketball history.

Throughout his illustrious career, LeBron James has consistently pushed the boundaries of greatness, setting new standards for excellence and inspiring future generations of basketball players.

What Is Next For LeBron James?

As LeBron James approaches the twilight of his illustrious NBA career at 39 years old, speculation swirls regarding what lies ahead for the basketball icon. Despite already boasting a resume filled with championships, records, and individual accolades, LeBron remains driven by a desire to continue competing at the highest level.

One of the most prominent goals on LeBron's horizon is the opportunity to share the court with his son, Bronny James, who has recently declared for the NBA draft. The prospect of playing alongside his son represents a deeply personal aspiration for LeBron, marking a potential crowning achievement in his storied career.

On the statistical front, LeBron's pursuit of greatness continues unabated. Having surpassed the 40,000-point milestone this season, LeBron has set his sights on potentially reaching an unprecedented 43,000 career points before hanging up his sneakers. 

Additionally, with his exceptional playmaking abilities, LeBron could ascend to a top-three or even top-two position in the all-time assists leaderboard, further solidifying his status as one of the most versatile and impactful players in NBA history.

Despite already capturing four NBA championships throughout his career, LeBron's hunger for success remains undiminished. With the potential to add to his impressive championship tally, LeBron could seek to guide his current team, the Los Angeles Lakers, or potentially join forces with another contender in pursuit of further postseason glory. 

Whether he aims to secure a fifth championship ring or elevate his teammates to championship contention, LeBron's competitive fire continues to burn brightly.

Looking beyond the court, LeBron's impact extends far beyond basketball. As an influential figure both on and off the hardwood, LeBron's commitment to social justice initiatives, philanthropy, and community engagement serves as a beacon of inspiration for athletes and individuals worldwide. Regardless of his future endeavors, LeBron's legacy as a transformative figure in sports and society is sure to endure for generations to come.

As LeBron James embarks on the next chapter of his remarkable journey, fans eagerly await the unfolding of his final acts on the basketball stage and beyond, confident that whatever the future holds, LeBron will continue to leave an indelible mark on the game and the world.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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