Let me preface this piece by stating: By no means am I a royalist. Royal Weddings, who cares. Royal family drama, boring. Next in line to the throne, who knows.
There is, however, something interesting about the history of the throne. The kings killed valiantly in battle. Those assassinated or executed. Very rarely does one simply give up their throne. They stay in power, ruling until their last breath. Much to the dismay of those lurking in the darkness waiting in succession for their time to lift the crown and rule as they decide.
It’s a fascinating history that guides questions relating to the one king I happily follow: LeBron James.
We all want to know: How will LeBron’s reign end?
At 40 years of age, LeBron sadly, is on his way out. Being down 3-1 in the first round of the playoffs may see the end coming closer than expected. Like kings of old, LeBron finds a wealth of young athletes looking to usurp his throne.
Anthony Edwards, the face of the first-round foes the Timberwolves, is one such name looking to remove the King. LeBron faces foreign threats too in Nikola Jokic and Lakers teammate Luka Doncic.
Even with the next generation of stars, LeBron at 40 is still showing why he is worthy of the crown. During the regular season LeBron averaged over 24 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game, playing in 70 of the 82-game season.
He continues to keep the youth at bay with his impressive dominance on the court. In the first four games of the playoffs, LeBron has three double-doubles including an impressive 38-point 10 rebound match.
Despite the incredible showing by LeBron, and having a stacked team, he trails 3-1 to the Timberwolves, another blemish in his reputation. The question we ask of LeBron as a third first-round exit seems likely: What legacy will be enough for LeBron to leave?
LeBron continues to put great distance to what was all time scoring leader Kareem Adbul-Jabbar’s record. Sitting over 42,000 points he has created a record that quite probably will not be broken. He has 183 playoff wins which is more then the roster of Minnesota Timberwolves.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James gets past Denver Nuggets centre Nikola Jokic. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The most successful team in the last 20 years, playoff win wise, is the Boston Celtics who have 140 playoff wins. LeBron’s 20 odd year tenure has seen more playoff wins than each franchise individually.
A few years ago, he became the oldest person to average 30 points a game. James holds the record for most consecutive games scoring double digits with 1,175 consecutive games. The most career points in the playoffs. The most 30+ point games.
LeBron has already left a legacy that rivals the best of them, and this could easily be the season where he abdicates the crown and passes it over (ideally to Luka and not Bronny James). Like many kings though, the allure of the crown may be too much for LeBron.
If he were to play another season, LeBron could have the most games played by a person ever. He could also overtake Kareem in both the most points by a 40-year-old and the most field goals. And of course, he could add to his ring collection and maybe tie Kobe Bryant (amongst others) with five.
The next generation needs to be ready because the kingdom is theirs for the taking. Will an early exit be the end or will he continue to chase another ring?
For many rulers, emperors, kings and queens, death marks the end of their tenure of power. Is LeBron ready and willing to abdicate his thrown?
Leave when he is ready and more importantly, still relevant to the game. Or will he fight the usurpers for another year and continue to cement his legacy but risk losing his dominance and assertiveness?
