How has LeBron James been so consistently great?
LeBron James won his first NBA Player of the Month award in November of 2004. Last month, 21 years later at age 40, he won his record-extending 41st POTM award. Yes, 41st. In case you are wondering, Karl Malone (at age 37) held the previous record for oldest player to win the award. LBJ is also the last remaining active player from the 2003 draft class. How has LeBron sustained this level of greatness? How has he been so great for so long? In the #CJJblog this week, I give you some of my thoughts and what has made him the greatest ever to play the game. Enjoy.
- Conditioning. It is widely known that LeBron is in great shape. A huge part of his longevity has been his health and taking care of his body properly. He invests a ton of time and resources into his conditioning, and it shows.
- Skillset. LeBron is always growing and evolving his game. While his physical tools have always been there for The King, his basketball skillset has been changing since he was drafted in 2003. How do you grow your skillset to become a more valuable person?
- Decision-making. Many would argue that LeBron has the greatest basketball mind we have ever seen. He is always making the right play and putting his teammates in the best position to succeed.
- Adaptability. Being in the NBA for so long, he has played for many coaches and has had hundreds of teammates over the years. He adapts year-to-year, game-to-game, and even in-game, depending who’s on the floor with him. Do you adapt to your surroundings?
- Professional. LeBron has a phenomenal track record of professionalism and helping to grow his teammates. Let’s hope he does the same for Luka.
- Availability. In sports (and life), the best ability is availability and LeBron has been exactly that throughout his career. He averages 70 games played per regular season and is active in the development of his teammates.
- Role model. He is a true student of the game and sets a good example for us watching. Coming in with so much hype as an 18-year old high school kid, he has delivered on (and off) the court. Well done, LeBron.
Did You Know? Coach’s former team, Greece Athena High School, just won their first NYS Sectional title since he left and are on their way to a state qualifier this weekend in Glens Falls, NY. Good luck, Trojans!
Life Tip #30: Work harder on yourself than you do on your job.
