The King vs. the Court: Can Lebron ascend to become best ever?

Published 11:47 pm Friday, June 21, 2013

The number seven signifies completion, in the Bible in particular. The King James version in the NBA needs seven more passages to go down as the most-storied career in history.

It took seven games for LeBron James to complete his journey to a second NBA title and second Most Valuable Player award in The Finals.

Seven legends stand in James’ path to become the game’s best of all-time, something the 28-year old in the middle of his prime still has time to accomplish.

James supporters continue to make their claims about his place among the best ever to play on the blacktop or hardwood. The non-stop triple-doubles, the ability to play positions 1-5, knock down jumpers, dominate the paint and guard everything from point guards to centers puts James at the zenith in today’s basketball galaxy.

Let the naysayers tell it, James handpicked a championship team when he joined perennial all-stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami in 2010, thus putting an asterisk on his present rise. No matter who you play with, you still must deliver, and that James has done the past two years, mixing in two Olympic gold medals along the way since 2008.

At the end of the day, James needs to keep winning. That may mean another tough decision come the summer of 2014 when he will be a free agent again. With the game’s best two winners (five-time champion Kobe Bryant and four-time champion Tim Duncan) on their last legs, James stands a good chance to add to his count.

Just where does King James rank among the most royal to grace the basketball court? Let the open court session begin.

Feel free to make your opinion known about the greatest basketball players of all-time on Twitter @ETFinalScore @HWilsonETFS or by email through sports@tylerpaper.com

The King vs. The Royal Court

1. Bill Russell — The game’s greatest winner, defender and rebounder won 11 titles and five MVPs over an unmatched career.

2. Michael Jordan — “Air Jordan” owns the distinction as the game’s best postseason performer after winning six titles, six Finals MVPs and four regular season MVPs while ranking in a tie for first all-time in scoring average.

3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — The “Captain” claimed six championships and six MVP awards, and ranks first in all-time points thanks to his patented “sky hook” shot.

4. Wilt Chamberlain — The “Big Dipper” dominated the scoring charts like none before or since, posting a league-record 100 points in the 1960s and also winning two titles and four MVP awards.

5. Earvin Johnson — “Magic” made his mark as the best passer of all time, ranking first in league history in assists per game while earning five championships and three regular season and Finals MVP awards.

6. Kobe Bryant — A five-time champion and two-time Finals MVP, the “Black Mamba” holds the record for 15 All-Star starts and recently tied the all-time standard with his 11th selection to the All-NBA First Team.

7. Shaquille O’Neal — “Shaq” laid his claim to being the most dominant paint player in history with four titles, three Finals MVP accolades and 15 All-Star game selections.

8. LeBron James — The “King” and his fame continue to rise after a second title. Only the top three players on the list — Russell, Jordan and Abdul-Jabaar — have won more MVPs, meaning titles will determine how far up the list James climbs.