With LeBron James now in his 23rd NBA season, every matchup carries a little more weight, especially when it comes against fellow superstars who have long admired his longevity, like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
That was the case when James and the Milwaukee Bucks star finally shared the floor again after not facing each other since 2022.
Both players were healthy, both had their moments, and afterward Antetokounmpo made it clear just how much the opportunity meant to him.
“It means a lot to me,” Antetokounmpo said. “I got his jersey tonight. I think he is the blueprint for every athlete, not just basketball athletes, on how to be consistent. To be consistent for 23 years, to be available, to be a winner, to lead by example. It is incredible for me to be around greatness and I will never take it for granted. I have the utmost respect for him and his family and the way he has carried himself for 22 years. I think he brings the best out of me as a player and he’s one of those guys that I definitely look up to.”
41-year-old James remains the gold standard for longevity in a league that relentlessly wears players down.
Despite missing the first 14 games of the season due to injury, James has once again delivered All-Star caliber production, reinforcing why his name remains central to conversations about greatness.
Milwaukee head coach Doc Rivers, who has spent decades coaching against James, also spoke recently about being amazed by what he is witnessing.
“Yeah, it’s amazing,” Rivers said before the Bucks’ game against the Lakers. “Just his age and watching what he does. I just remember I was just illustrating all that stuff and the fact that he’s overachieved to what we thought he would be is just remarkable when you think about it and he’s still doing it. He’s had the greatest run ever, there’s no debating that. As long as, he’s been good longer than anybody and it’s pretty amazing.”
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