LeBron James has been the face of the NBA since entering the league as a part of the 2003 NBA Draft. With a nickname like The Chosen One, that was always going to be the case. It is more than safe to say that James not only lived up to the enormous expectations that a moniker like that holds, but he exceeded them too.

The debates of whether the NBA’s all-time scoring leader is the greatest player to ever play the game will rage on for quite some time. The challenge that James has created for Michael Jordan’s crown is truly one that puts both players in a league of their own above every other tremendous talent to ever play in the NBA.

The 21-time All-Star managed to do that in the face of some incredibly loud media scrutiny throughout the duration of his career. Certain members of the NBA media made entire careers off rooting against the success of James. Everyone who has paid attention should know who is being referred to.

Negativity of that nature is why LeBron sounded understanding of the league having struggled to fill the void of his successor as the game’s most recognizable and marketable face.

James delivers candid statement about being the face of the NBA

Anthony Edwards claimed, not too long ago, that the Minnesota Timberwolves superstar does not see himself as the next face of the league. Edwards added that Victor Wembanyama was here to fill that void.

After the Timberwolves and Lakers faced off on Thursday, James was asked about the lack of desire from Edwards in wanting that designation. LeBron was sympathetic to Minnesota’s young superstar.

James said, “Why do you wanna be the face of a league when all the people that cover our game and talk about our game on a day-to-day basis [expletive] on everybody?”

The four-time NBA champion and Finals MVP was not a fan of that ‘weird energy.’ Being the face of the league was a responsibility that James claimed to have had no interest in, but one that he took on for the sake of his family, friends, and community.

The sentiment from James is quite understandable. Some major voices covering the NBA have been criticized of late for their negative attitude during the analysis they provide of the game. Kenny Beecham did a great job voicing the frustrations that surround the topic.

James, ultimately, pointed out an incredibly obvious reason as to why the NBA has struggled to find a marketable superstar to fill his role at the top of the league. For many of these young guys growing up who watched LeBron endure all the naysayers that he did, the price of entry for the distinction of being the NBA’s featured athlete may just not be worth it.