February 8, 2022, Los Angeles, California, USA: LeBron James 6 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends against Giannis Antetokounmpo 34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during their NBA, Basketball Herren, USA game on Tuesday February 8, 2022 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Lakers lose to Bucks, 116-131. /PI Los Angeles USA – ZUMAp124 20220208_zaa_p124_047 Copyright: xJAVIERxROJASx

LA Lakers superstar and 4-time NBA champion LeBron James was recently featured by the Athletic in an article praising him for his contributions to the league. Already firmly in what is the final stages of his career, James is heading toward his 21st year in the NBA. The Akron-born superstar was hyped right from the start and compared to some true greats such as Michael Jordan from when he was in college.

Now, looking back at an illustrious career, a range of NBA superstars talked to Athletic to pay tribute to James. This includes the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Gave Vincent, D’Angelo Russell, and even his teammate Anthony Davis. Giannis’s praise ended up standing out amongst a range of compliments the players paid to LeBron.

Giannis Antetokounmpo claims LeBron James is Number 1

Giannis in particular talked about LeBron’s longevity. However, he claimed that even off the court, James served as an example to all younger players.

Talking about LeBron being a family man, Giannis talked about how maintaining standards on and off the court for 21 long years is one of LeBron’s biggest achievements. He claimed that he himself wanted to emulate the example, and hoped to have a normal life outside basketball,

“Some guys might say he is No. 2, but other guys like me, I say he is No. 1, and he’s still going. For 21 years, you never get in trouble, to be able to take in his family, protect this family, raise his kids the right way, you know, be happily married, all those things, it’s perfect. He’s kind of  setting the blueprint for the rest of us to go forward. That’s what I want. I want to be able to do what I do on the court consistently, be good, be healthy, be available for my team, be able to, you know, raise my family in a bubble away from what I do on the court for them to have a normal life as much as I can. Stay out of trouble.”

Giannis’ praise stood out despite a number of other players talking about LeBron as well. While critics regularly point out the shortcomings of his career, the fact that he has maintained such impressive levels for 21 years is something that deserves much more praise. Giannis hoped to be mentioned in the same breath, once he hung up his boots:

“And hopefully one day, you know, when I’m done from the game of basketball … maybe you mention me? I don’t know. But he sets up the blueprint for all the athletes that enter the NBA to follow.”

The article, in particular, exposed the kind of admiration so many gifted NBA superstars hold for James. That, with respect to his achievements, is perfectly deserved.

Giannis Antetokounmpo only added to previous praise for LeBron James

Back in February, speaking after LeBron broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record, Giannis praised James in a similar fashion. He talked about how the King has been working hard for almost 40 years, and deserved all the praise that he gets, according to Euro Hoops:

“To be completely honest, I am really very happy about him. Just seeing him with his family, enjoying it. It was a moment that happened yesterday, but he has worked 20 years in the NBA… And almost 20 more years before the NBA just to get to this point, and I am glad because his kids also enjoyed it with him, his wife, his mother, but also a lot of other people who idolize him all over the world rejoiced,” 

A truly global icon, LeBron’s plethora of achievements has not only earned him praise and respect from his fans, but many of his colleagues and rivals also have only good things to say about the LA Lakers star.