From the inception of the NBA, numerous players have etched their names into the league’s storied history. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar stands out among these legends, securing six championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. Michael Jordan also redefined greatness and ignited the GOAT debate with his unparalleled legacy. However, a former Miami Heat head coach recently sparked a surprise by naming a different player as having the best career in the league history.
“LeBron’s gotten a little hate for a long time for a lot of different things. Whether it was his decision to come to Miami that he announced on TV, whether it was bumping into Eric Spoelstra. Whatever it is, LeBron’s gotten a lot of hate for a guy who’s had the best career of any NBA player, ever… And we can argue who the best player has been in the NBA, but it’s hard to argue that anyone’s had a better career,” Stan Van Gundy said, via On the Nothing Personal with David Samson podcast.
LeBron James has been a transformative force since his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Over his storied career, he has clinched championships with every franchise he’s played for, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Remarkably, he has maintained an impressive scoring pace for 22 years, culminating in his achievement as the league’s all-time leading scorer with 42,184 points.
His incredible longevity has etched his name in the annals of the NBA. Even at 40 years old, he averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. This performance propelled his team into the playoffs and sparked discussions about his candidacy for the MVP Award. Beyond his offensive prowess, LeBron has evolved into a complete player, impacting games on both ends of the floor and becoming a crucial component of JJ Redick’s tactical scheme.
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
LeBron James aims to break two all-time NBA records before retiring
LeBron James, after exercising his player option, is on a mission to win his fifth NBA championship. Achieving this milestone would elevate him above Stephen Curry, with whom he currently shares four titles, and potentially settle the ongoing debate about the greatest player of this era. Yet, James has his sights set on more than just championship glory; he stands on the cusp of breaking two formidable league records.
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James is only 50 games away from overtaking Boston Celtics legend Robert Parish to become the most-capped player in NBA history. Given his track record of consistently playing more than 50 games in most seasons, James seems poised to claim this record soon.
Moreover, LeBron is set to surpass Vince Carter by becoming the player with the most seasons played in league history, marking his 23rd consecutive season. This achievement would further cement his legacy, solidifying his place in the perennial ‘Greatest of All Time’ debate, right alongside the legendary Michael Jordan as one of the premier figures in the annals of basketball history.
