For weeks, the debate surrounding the future face of the NBA has been at the forefront of discussions among analysts, fans, and even the players themselves. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards recently expressed his reluctance to embrace that role, a comment that led to considerable backlash. Now, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has shared his perspective on the matter.
“Why do you wanna be the face of the league when all the people that cover our game and talk about our game on a day-to-day basis (expletive) on everybody?” began LeBron during an interview shared by Spectrum SportsNet. “To have that responsibility is weird. It’s weird energy.”
James then reflected on his own journey. “Obviously, I didn’t ask for it,” he clarified. “But I knew there was a responsibility on me, not only to my family, my friends, my community, and anyone who was going to follow my journey throughout my career. Not just in Ohio when I started there, but all over America, and across the world as I traveled globally.”
The Lakers star continued by describing how he has dealt with the responsibility of being the NBA’s premier player for so many years. “I’ve always taken that seriously and understood from the beginning what being a professional was all about and what being a role model meant,” he said. “So I’ve always tried to hold that with the utmost respect and honor.”
Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter at State Farm Arena.
LeBron’s message to Anthony Edwards
A few days ago, Edwards was asked about the possibility of becoming the next face of the NBA, making it clear that he had no desire to take on that role. “No, not really… That’s what they got Wemby (Victor Wembanyama) for,” he said during a press conference ahead of All-Star Weekend.
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In an additional interview with TNT, Edwards expanded on his thoughts: “I’m capable of being that guy. But I don’t want to be that guy, I’ll put it like that. I want to be the guy that just shows up, hoops, kills dudes, and goes home.”
When asked about Edwards’ position, LeBron James did not hesitate to send a direct message to the Timberwolves guard. “I feel Ant. I understand. I completely understand,” he said. “This is weird energy when it comes to that.”
LeBron knows what he’s talking about
There’s no doubt that LeBron James knows what he’s talking about when it comes to discussing the responsibilities and pressures of being a superstar. Having played in the NBA for more than 20 years, he has been under the spotlight since the early stages of his professional career, occupying a rare position for young players.
Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft at just 18 years old, James quickly became a household name. From his first season, he put up performances that captivated audiences, and those eyes have remained on him ever since.
This season, LeBron experienced another unprecedented aspect of media exposure when the attention surrounding him shifted to his son, Bronny. Despite being selected 55th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Lakers, Bronny garnered immense media attention and became a focal point of debate and scrutiny. Given these experiences, it’s easy to understand why LeBron respects and acknowledges Anthony Edwards’ perspective.
