For the first time since ESPN began ranking players LeBron James is not ranked number which has caused a stir around the NBA.
LeBron James Ranked Number 3
For the first time since ESPN began ranking NBA players back in 2011, LeBron James Is not ranked number one. He came in at number 3 on the list which seems very controversial. While LeBron has regressed some with age, when he feels like it, he is still unstoppable.
The answer is Giannis and Durant. The top two have not been revealed as yet but they are the only two names not in the top ten that belong there. The list ends at number three with number 2 and number to be revealed at a later time. These player ranking mean very little in the end but Lakers fans should be happy about this. If LeBron James comes into the season with a chip on his shoulder, the Lakers could be in business.
Kevin Durant and Giannis Ahead of LeBron
Even though Kevin Durant has torn his Achilles tendon and will miss the entire season, he is still ranked ahead of LeBron James. That is somewhat understandable since there is no reason to think he won’t come back healthy. Even if he isn’t as explosive as he was before, that’s not what he relied to be good anyway. As one of the best shooters to ever play the game, everyone expects him to return to a similar level to where he was pre injury.
The other player ahead of him on the list is the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo. That selection is a little more controversial. Although he is the reigning league MVP, his playoff resume is lacking. Just recently he was completely shut down by the Toronto Raptors in the playoffs. Giannis was also held in check at the FIBA World Cup. Although LeBron has had his playoff issues, those have come in the NBA Finals and the Conference Finals. Not in the 2nd round of the playoffs.
LeBron Will Not Take the Disrespect Lightly
If there’s one thing about LeBron James, he’s the ultimate competitor. He didn’t need extra motivation to work hard but he will certainly use this as bulletin board material. There’s also his current situation that a lot of people have not taken into account.
LeBron James has never had a teammate as good as Anthony Davis. With all due respect to Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis could be the number player on the ESPN list if everything went his way. That’s how high the ceiling is on his talent. He can do everything on the court and is almost seven feet tall. With that kind of help, LeBron will have much more freedom that he ever has. He could possibly have his best statistical career ever if he can click with Davis. The prospect of an Anthony Davis-LeBron James pick and roll would be the NBA’s worst nightmare. They could also both move up on the list very easily especially if LeBron feels disrespected.
