Despite all his accolades, LeBron James has had doubts about whether Lakers fans would ever fully accept him, but his latest milestone may have put those doubts at ease.
Over the weekend, LeBron became the first player in NBA history to reach 40,000 career points.
The 39-year-old in his 21st season was grateful for the way the fans reacted to his incredible feat, but ESPN shared his prior doubts.
“James, who has privately questioned whether Laker Nation would ever fully embrace him after seeing him battle their beloved Kobe Bryant for so long, acknowledged the way the fans and the franchise showed up for him,” ESPN reported.
James said after the historic game, “Much respect and much loyalty to the Laker fan base for showing me that love. Being the first player to do something, that’s pretty cool in this league.”
Despite his past doubts, James has carved out an impressive legacy with Los Angeles, which includes a 2020 championship and surpassing Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer on February 7 2023.
The big question surrounding this season and the ensuing summer will be whether LeBron decides to stay with the storied purple and gold franchise.
If LeBron does agree to a multi-year contract, the Lakers will become the first and only team he will have played eight straight seasons for.
Given his longevity in the league, LeBron has made upwards of $482 million in salary throughout his career.
Wherever he ends up next season, he will become the first player in league history to make over $500 million in salary during their career.
If the Lakers manage to draft James’ eldest son, Bronny, in the 2024 or 2025 NBA Draft, then it is almost certain that James will stick around for the long haul.
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