Never before has the NBA seen a talent like that of LeBron James and fans should not expect to see anything like him for a long, long, time. He is gifted athlete with a massive structure. When you look at him you see the size of a NFL linebacker, yet he moves with the grace of a much smaller player. Not only is he dominant at scoring the ball, he does everything well on a basketball court. James also is a good role model for the youth of America, on and off the court. From the moment he entered the league, LeBron has conducted himself with respect and inspired awe every time he touches the ball.

When you turn on a Cleveland game, no matter who they are playing, you will be able to tell who the best player is on the floor. James is on track to be one of the top scorers, rebounders, and passers of all time. While doing this he also is one of the best chase down shot blockers the league has ever seen and is climbing spots on the all time steals list as well.

James had everyone’s attention the very first second he stepped on a NBA court; and he always puts on a show. His career highlights could go on for hours because the man does everything you want to see from a player on any team at any point in history.

People tried to make the argument that Michael Jordan had the ‘perfect basketball body’ weighing in at 220 pounds and standing at a height of six foot six inches but many changed their minds when they saw James. The impressive stature of LeBron James causes defenders to look like mannequins as the 250 pound, six foot eight inches superstar blows past them.

Something else taken for granted is the impact LeBron James has on a team. When he left for Miami, the Cavaliers had such a drastic decline that they went from a Finals appearance, to having the number one overall pick in the upcoming draft. As soon as James joined  the Miami Heat, they went to four straight Finals, taking home rings in two of them.

When LeBron decided that it was time to return home, Miami missed the playoffs for the first time in several years. Before ‘King James’ made his return to Ohio, the team was in jeopardy, experiencing losing season after losing season. Hope seemed lost for the Cavs.  Suddenly, the Cavs traded the number one overall pick, Andrew Wiggins, for the all star forward Kevin Love and LeBron James declared he is coming home.

Fast forward three years and the Cavs have been to three straight Finals and won one of them. Now, heading into his fourteenth NBA season, LeBron has been voted by general managers around the league as the favorite to win the MVP award (which would be James’s fifth time receiving the award).

Another major aspect of LeBron’s career is his longevity. He has never missed a post season and also has competed heavily in the Olympics winning a gold medal for the US in men’s basketball. In his career, he has never missed more than two straight weeks and has had to carry the majority of the team’s workload for entire seasons and postseasons.

As seen in the 2016 Finals, LeBron is capable of leading players on both his NBA and Olympic teams in the five major categories (which had never been done before). This feat solidified his spot as the best player in the world as he led Cleveland back from a three to one deficit, to a game seven victory in enemy territory (also something never before seen). James also did this against the most winning regular season team of all time in the seventy three wins and nine loss Golden State Warriors.

When it comes to off the court business, LeBron never waivers there either. He was involved in a small scandal with NBA coaching legend, Phil Jackson, when Jackson referred to the group of friends that James has on his staff as a ‘posse.’ However, although he felt offended James exhibited respect for Jackson and took the high road.

Coming from the projects in Akron, Ohio, James’s story is one that can serve as inspiration for the youth of America seeing a young man from the inner city, with no father figure, become one of the most recognizable figures in not only the US, but the world. James has been scrutinized since the moment he entered the league,but always was of sound mind and body.

James and his all star friends in the NBA, Chris Paul, Dwayne Wade, and Carmelo Anthony, used their platform to speak on social injustices at the ESPY awards which is a national scale. This was not the only time recently that James was outspoken with his feelings as he recently tweeted at President Trump after the president rescinded the Warriors White House invitation that every championship team receives. James tweeted at the president and voiced his disagreement in his decision making, while millions of users sat back and rejoiced at the sight of LeBron’s honesty.

It is not a surprise that Lebron James can expect to be a first ballot hall of famer when he is eligible after his retirement. Countless analysts in the NBA currently have made the claim that LeBron James is the best basketball player to ever play.  Yet many still lay the claim that Jordan is the greatest of all time leaving room for an endless debate among analysts, players, and coaches.

The argument cannot be overlooked that James is without a doubt one of the all time best to ever play professional basketball. Debates will always be brought up about ‘who is the best’ but as a fan of basketball it is impossible to not marvel at the one of a kind player that is LeBron James.