Credit: Chuck Cook/USA Today Sports
Few players have been hyped as much as LeBron James has ever been since he was in high school. The Chosen One was destined for greatness from the age of 15, and he shouldered all that pressure and went on to exceed everyone’s expectations. Michael Jordan may still be the GOAT for most people, but many knowledgeable people still consider LeBron to be the greatest or second greatest player ever.
And his ability to do it all on the basketball court combined with his charismatic personality has made James the face of the league. Kobe Bryant had a claim to the title for a while early in LeBron’s career, but following 2010, and maybe even before, LeBron has undisputedly been the one NBA player everyone recognizes the league by.
And while he isn’t showing many signs of slowing down just yet, James is advancing in age. This means that he will retire soon, and the NBA will need a new face. Who that will be is an interesting question, and NBA fans on Reddit were recently debating it.
“Giannis or Luka will be the most marketable faces (both in the US and internationally) after LeBron. But a clear cut favorite to carry the NBA is probably TBD at the moment.”
“Luka just needs to win first. But I’m rooting for him.”
“With how much attention LeBron gets he might still be the face in retirement.”
“Tbh, nobody. LeBron had nationally televised games in high school.”
“The issue is that the 4 consensus best under-30 players of Giannis, Jokic, Luka, and Embiid are all international meaning the media won’t like to market them as much.”
“Could be Zion depending on the next 2/3 years for him.”
“Media would def hype Zion if he finds some early success and has some great few years for an ATG trajectory.”
“It’s Giannis. Could be Wembanyama if he develops and is put in the right situation.”
“Steph ain’t the face already beside LeBron?”
“It’ll be Zion if he can manage his health and get on the court.”
“Steph is already there, man.”
“It’s Giannis or Luka, no one else comes close at this point.”
Stephen Curry has the hype, he’s the best player in the world currently according to Shaquille O’Neal. However, Curry is quite old, which makes Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo the prime candidates. Ultimately, who it is will depend on the players themselves. If they can win consistently, then the spot in the limelight after the King’s retirement is open for the taking.
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