LeBron James has been synonymous with NBA greatness for nearly two decades. Entering his 22nd season, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar boasts a resume that most players can only dream of. Yet, as the NBA transitions into a new era dominated by fresh talents like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, and Luka Doncic, there’s a lingering question: why doesn’t LeBron’s legendary status always resonate with younger fans the way one might expect?
Danny Green, a former NBA veteran and three-time champion, recently offered some insight on this during an appearance on the All the Smoke podcast. He believes that the ubiquitous nature of LeBron’s presence on social media has diminished some of the mystique that once surrounded him.
Green reflected, "Social media has kind of eroded that larger-than-life aura for a lot of star players, LeBron included. Back when he was rocking it in Cleveland, he was like a rock star.
But by the time he got to Miami and eventually LA, the constant social media visibility made him more accessible."
Green elaborated on this idea, noting that the constant exposure allowed for a culture of criticism that wasn’t prevalent in earlier eras. "Fans see him everywhere – on social media, in clubs, at parties.
This access has morphed into criticism. Social media has made it easier for people to critique these top guys more than ever before," he added.
Playing alongside a giant like LeBron is a rare opportunity in the NBA, but it's not without its challenges. Green also touched on the high expectations placed on those who share the court with James.
"LeBron’s basketball IQ is off the charts," Green noted. "He knows every detail about his teammates, from shooting percentages to optimal positions on the court.
He's the guy who knows you shoot 48% from a particular corner and he'll deliver the ball right to your sweet spot."
This kind of precise understanding from LeBron opens up tremendous opportunities but also adds a layer of pressure. Green, who experienced a championship run with LeBron in 2020, understands firsthand the intense demands and immense rewards of playing alongside one of the greatest to ever play the game. The balance of those pressures and opportunities defines what it means to share the court with a living legend.
