For nearly two decades, the NBA has been a revolving door of talent, with new stars rising and old legends retiring. But through it all, one name has remained constant — LeBron James. And despite the league’s best efforts to anoint a successor, the King still sits on the throne.
Whether it’s Anthony Edwards electrifying the court, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dazzling with smooth playmaking, Victor Wembanyama redefining the center position, or Nikola Jokić putting up MVP numbers, the NBA is full of elite talent. Yet none of them — not yet — have dethroned LeBron as the face of the league.
“There’s one face in the league. It’s LeBron James. You know when you’ll know who the next face of the league is? He’ll let you know,” said ESPN’s Alan Hahn in a passionate defense of LeBron’s reign.
The truth is, LeBron hasn’t just been a great player — he’s been the league’s identity. His influence stretches beyond the hardwood into media, business, fashion, and culture. The idea that anyone could replace him while he’s still playing at a high level? It’s wishful thinking.
At 40 years old, LeBron continues to dominate with the Los Angeles Lakers, proving that age is just a number when greatness is in your DNA. Night after night, he defies expectations and silences doubters. The numbers don’t lie — and neither does the respect he commands from teammates, rivals, and fans alike.
“We’re trying to push LeBron out of the league and find the next one. There is no next one,” Hahn emphasized.
Sure, the future is bright. The league will eventually belong to someone new. But that time isn’t now. Until LeBron James takes his final bow and walks away from the game on his own terms, the throne remains occupied — and the conversation about “the next face” is nothing more than noise.
