I’ve never seen so many people be so happy to see an athlete fail more than LeBron,” Edwards wrote. “His whole career he’s been hated on constantly and slandered to no end to the point where when he retires nobody would have appreciated his greatness. I will be glad I will be one who did”.
This statement showcases Edwards’ respect for James, not just as a player but also for enduring the scrutiny and criticism that comes with being a superstar. Edwards has mentioned that he tries to “cook” James on the court, but due to James’ exceptional defensive awareness, teams often double-team Edwards, making it challenging to achieve
Edwards’ admiration for James stems from James’ longevity, skill, and dominance in the league. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, James continues to defy Father Time, playing at an elite level and leading his teams to competitive playoff runs.
As a young player, Edwards looks up to James as a benchmark for success and longevity in the NBA. Their interactions on and off the court have been respectful, with James even offering words of encouragement to Edwards after their playoff series
With James nearing the end of his career, Edwards represents the new generation of talent that’s poised to take over the league. Players like Edwards, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are expected to be the faces of the NBA in the coming years.
As the league transitions, Edwards’ respect for James serves as a reminder of the importance of appreciating the greats while they’re still active. With James’ legacy cementing itself in NBA history, Edwards and other young players will look to carve out their own paths to greatness
