Over the course of his illustrious 14-year career in the NBA, Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James has racked up a list of accolades longer than a country mile, including three championship rings (two with the Miami Heat, one with the Cavs), four MVP awards, 13 All-Star nods, and 11 First Team selections. Now, on the precipice of his 15th season, James is showing no signs of regression. In fact, it’s just the opposite. “The Akron Hammer,” as he’s known, is pounding harder than ever.
James, now 32 years of age, recently sat down for a one-on-one interview with GQ Magazine’s Mark Anthony Green to discuss a wide variety of topics. Amid their discussion, the King was asked if he would still be willing to play if he were “washed up.”
“Would you play when you’re washed up?,” Green asked James during the interview. “If you love doing it, but you weren’t…”
“I know I won’t be able to play at this level forever, but to be washed and play… I don’t know if I can play washed,” James replied.
Without question, James has played an extremely important role in Cleveland’s recent success. In his 74 games played for the Cavs last season, the former St. Vincent-St. Mary’s High School standout posted some of the best statistical numbers of his career, averaging 26.4 points on 55 percent shooting from the field, 8.7 assists (career-high), 8.6 rebounds (career-high), and 1.2 steals in 37.8 minutes per contest.
Other legendary players have served longer stints in the association, including Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, and Dirk Nowitzki… to name a few. As most hoops fans know, James keeps himself in peak physical condition, even in the offseason. When he does finally decide to hang up his sneakers, his legacy will have already been firmly cemented. For now, though, let’s just enjoy the ride while it lasts.
