X/@LakersLeBron James‘ 21st All-NBA selection generated fiery reactions on social media following a Lakers post celebrating this milestone. This achievement has further etched James into history by giving testimony to his unparalleled longevity in the league, and hence, the usual divided discourse on his career.
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Some comments were affirmative. GOAT status was confirmed,” one user equated the All-NBA selections with the Infinity Stones. Another argued that no other player in any other sport was performing at LeBron’s age. Even those agreeing that LeBron’s best days may now be behind him argue that his capacity to sustain an elite performance level longer than anyone else is truly unmatched: “Being elite for 20 years is his version of longevity, not holding roster spots like ex-Vince Carter.”
And then the haters were not left to be silent. One dissenting voice went on to call it a “shame” and said that James is the “fakest NBA All-Star I’ve ever seen” whilst also blaming him “for the downfall of the NBA.” In reference to his negative plus-minus rating this season, another sarcastic user quipped, “Only All-NBA player with negative plus-minus.” Another detractor stated that James was “the greatest loser of all time,” with the dubious distinction of a -54 rating as proof that he does not deserve the nomination.
The volatilization of the debate reached an even crazier level when fans vented comparisons to Michael Jordan, one Jordan fan haughtily remarking: “Jordan and second don’t go in the same sentence.” Lakers backers retaliated with statistics in James’s face: James wiped the floor with the rest of competitors in points, assists, rebounds, and efficiency rating.
One of the recurrent pitfalls of the discussion was about the irritation of James being still on the Lakers, and some suggested getting him out of LA, while others accused him of just wasting time instead of helping young players develop. An indubitably pissed-off fan even tagged the Lakers, Nike, and the NBA in saying, “America and SoCal are ready to move on.”
However, those who were accused just as fiercely about all the criticisms were also met with an equal number of defenders. One fan mocked the critics, telling them to “check on your LeBron-hating friends today,” while another called for the Lakers to build statues for him immediately. That playful mockery about wanting to “play with his son” garnered the odd chuckle in the replies.
One thing, however, is made clear: LeBron James-even at 39-continues to be one of the most divisive figures in sports. His hallmark achievements are not disputable, but they also sting under the shade of abuse. Whether you exalt him as the GOAT or ridicule him as an overrated stats-padder, there is an area where both camps agree: The people still care enough to fight to the bitter end for him. In the contemporary sports industry, that is probably his most significant legacy.
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The post by the Los Angeles Lakers was meant to celebrate a record, but also served as the stage for the never-ending battle over LeBron’s place in history. Judging by the outpouring, one thing is for sure: The fight has yet to be settled.
