LeBron James is one of the biggest athletes in all of sports, not just the NBA.
He has been in the public eye since he was in high school and has not gone away since.
The world labeled him as the next great star and he did not disappoint.
James is a superior player in the league, but is still criticized as someone who needs to prove himself.
He is quite possibly the most scrutinized athlete in sports history.
Media figures have built their reputation on being his critic.
James has been classified as not clutch, a flopper, and even a crybaby.
However, the term overrated has been used sometimes, but has left some of us confused.
Sure, James can miss a clutch three to win the game, or get mad about calls all game.
Calling him overrated might cross the line.
Face it, Blind Witnesses: LeBron James has always, always been overhyped and overrated.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 4, 2021
James is not close to being overrated and here is why.
3. Playoff Performances
The playoffs are where the best players come up in the big moments.
James is a player that has given us the greatest postseason performances we have ever seen.
There was the Game 6 performance in the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics.
His back was against the wall, but he responded with 45 points, 15 rebounds, and shot 73 percent.
Also, there are his multiple Finals performances.
There are so many to count.
Whether he was on the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, or Los Angeles Lakers, he has always put on historical showcases on the biggest stage.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the 1st player to score 40+ points in back-to-back NBA Finals games since LeBron James (41 points in Games 5 and 6 of the 2016 Finals). pic.twitter.com/OrhAMN4zXl
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) July 12, 2021
James is on pace to break any playoff record he wants, unless he already owns it.
The man is not afraid of the big moment.
We judge the greats on how they do in the playoffs.
James has risen to the occasion throughout most of his career.
2. Accolades
James’ list of accomplishments is unlike anything we have ever seen.
Winning MVPs is difficult.
The same goes for making All-Star teams and All-NBA teams.
However, James has accomplished all of that and then some.
James has accumulated four MVPs, 17 All-Star appearances, 17 All-NBA teams, Rookie of the Year, and six All-Defensive teams.
Furthermore, he has won four titles and four Finals MVPs.
The man has done it all.
He has been able to accomplish anything that has been put in front of him.
That resume is unparalleled in the history of the NBA.
1. Unmatched Legacy
Becoming a great player is a tough task to achieve.
There are not a ton of great players in the league’s history compared to the amount of players that have played in the NBA.
However, James is not great.
He is legendary.
His legacy goes down with the top of the food chain.
Accolades and playoff performances help the case, but it is more than that.
James is his own corporation.
He has been the face of the NBA for so long that the NBA revolves around him.
Nobody is close to his level.
Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant were amazing, but this legacy has been trending upwards for a longer period of time.
James might not be your favorite, or even the greatest in your eyes.
However, there is no way he is overrated and he has proven himself to be one of most important athletes of all-time.
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