LeBron James hits out: “Love me or hate me, you’ll remember me”

The NBA decided to commemorate the extraordinary career of one of the greatest players of all time, LeBron James, with a special patch.

This year James becomes the first player in history to play 23 seasons. Having just turned 41, the future NBA Hall of Famer remains one of the best players in the entire league and continues to defy the passage of time. He could still return next season, although it is most likely not with the Lakers.

Some question LeBron James’ legacy, despite him breaking multiple records, due to the way he has conducted himself throughout his career. One of the main criticisms has been his departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers to sign with the Miami Heat in pursuit of his first championship.

Other legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant won all their championships with a single franchise. Nevertheless, what LeBron James is doing at 41 years old with the Lakers defies all logic and he showed his enduring class in the recent victory against the Atlanta Hawks, in which he recorded 31 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in just 33 minutes.

LeBron James’ message to critics

“It doesn’t matter if you love me or hate me, you’ll remember me,” James wrote on his social media accounts Wednesday, accompanied by several photos from Tuesday night’s game against the Atlanta Hawks at Crypto.com Arena.

The future NBA Hall of Famer is clear that he will continue writing his own story, regardless of the criticism he receives. Lakers coach JJ Redick has highlighted James’ incredible competitive instinct and the dediction required to play at the elite level for 23 years.

“He’s going to do absolutely everything he can to play in his 23rd season. It’s extraordinary. His competitive stamina is off the charts,” Redick said. “We didn’t expect him to be able to play. That’s just the nature of a 41-year-old body playing a lot of minutes.”

“It’s unfortunate, really - without wanting to get off topic - but it’s a shame how much this guy gives and how much he cares, and the way some people talk about him. It’s crazy. Come and be around him every day and see how much he truly cares. It’s extraordinary,” Redick added.

“Because that’s the nature of envy, that’s the nature of envy,” the Lakers coach continued. “You’re not going to get clicks or reactions by saying something nice about someone, acknowledging their greatness, recognizing how much they care, how hard they work, and everything they’ve accomplished, what they’re still accomplishing, and what they’re still pursuing.”

“Instead, you have to say something bad about him. You have to go on TV and criticize him. You have to start interpreting things like, ‘Oh, he did this before the game, he did that.’ It’s all crazy. Be around him every day. It’s unbelievable,” Redick concluded.

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