Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has been the ‘face’ of the NBA for a very long time. James is currently in his 22nd season within the NBA and soon will be calling it quits.

Nobody knows how much longer James will play but there is speculation that next season could be his last. Until James officially leaves the NBA, he will be seen as the face of the league.

But with his upcoming retirement, there has been a ton of discussion about who will take his place. Many people believe that the face of the NBA needs to be an American-born player but with the influx of talented players from Europe, that ship might have sailed.

Here are the best options to replace James as the face of the league once he does finally call it a career:

HM: Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets

The main reason neither Giannis Antetokounmpo nor Jokic are on this list is due to their age. Both are 30 years old and more than likely, the face of the NBA would be younger.

5. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

Some may see this and laugh but if Williamson were to ever get his act together, this crown could be his to lose. But until that happens, he remains a big ‘what if’.

The hype that Williamson had coming out of Duke was unlike anything we’ve seen since James himself entered the league. Injuries and poor conditioning have halted his promise but Williamson is still young with time to turn things around.

4. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Tatum is a natural fit for this role but what has held him back is many people see him as ‘fake’. The Celtics wing has all the tools in his game to dominate and he has already won at the highest level.

The Celtics are the second-biggest team in the NBA behind the Lakers so that also works in his favor. But at the end of the day, there are better options than Tatum around the association.

3. Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers

Doncic really stepped up in the postseason last year, leading the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals. While he did lose the championship, his performance showcased what many have wanted to see from him.

The Lakers star has all the skills on the court needed to win. The Slovenian guard has the edge needed to be the face of the league and who better to teach him the ways of the game than James?

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Gilgeous-Alexander has really taken a step forward this season and is currently the frontrunner for the MVP award. The guard has all the pieces to take over as the face of the league, especially since he doesn’t back down from anyone.

His being from Canada could hurt his chances but his talent is undeniable. If any non-American player can hold down the fort, it’s Gilgeous-Alexander due to his personality.

1. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Edwards has been asked about being the face multiple times and every time, he has deflected. But Edwards has all the talent and personality to take the spotlight from James when he does leave the game.

The Timberwolves star has charisma and a gravity that people tend to follow. If the basketball world really can’t accept a non-American-born player, Edwards would be the best person in the NBA to take the mantle.

More NBA news:

Kyrie Irving Reacts to Widespread Criticism Caused by Mavericks Trading Luka Doncic

Nuggets’ Aaron Gordon Responds to Ja Morant’s Slam Dunk Contest Challenge

LeBron James Takes Shot at Doug Gottlieb After Rough First Season as Coach

For more NBA news and rumors, stay tuned to Newsweek Sports.