The NBA is one league that has a global reach.
Outside of the United States, many countries love following the NBA.
Also, some of the best players in the NBA have come from Europe.
We just saw the NBA Finals be won by a team with a Serbian as their best player.
That is Nikola Jokic, who is just one of many elite players from outside the U.S.
But when it comes to the face of the NBA, Stephen A. Smith believes there is only one person who owns that title.
He believes LeBron James is the most valuable athlete in America, as seen on “First Take” via ClutchPoints.
"I think LeBron James [is the most valuable athlete in the country]… LeBron is a global iconic brand… When you think about him, it's not just his greatness as a basketball player… He's the face of [the NBA]."
— Stephen A. Smith
(via @FirstTake)pic.twitter.com/vXYH3wSF0M
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 26, 2023
James has been a global icon since he was a teenager.
He was given the nickname “the chosen one” and has lived up to that title.
Smith mentions that James is not just a basketball player.
He has a brand that is worn by kids across the globe and continues to be a fan favorite by looking at the All-Star votes he receives each year.
Also, James can be recognized from his movies.
Most notably, “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” which features James and many other NBA players.
Even though James will be 39 years old next season he continues to play at a high level.
His Los Angeles Lakers should once again be in contention for the NBA title.
James has accomplished everything you can hope for when beginning a career in the NBA.
These last few years will just be about continuing to add to his legacy.
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