Given that LeBron James, one of the biggest players in basketball, will soon retire, several staff on The Dragon’s Den including myself have wondered how his retirement will impact the sport of basketball.
LeBron James is not only a great player whom many at JDHS look up to- but he’s also one of the best players that have emerged from the long history of elite basketball players in the NBA.
Moreover, LeBron James grew along with entire communities and created an idea of power and dedication, thereby helping generations learn the sport of basketball.
Taking into consideration the recent popularity of the last season of LeBron James’ career, which is referred to as “The Last Dance.” (Not to be confused with the Netflix Documentary that highlights Michael Jordan’s time with the Chicago Bulls).
According to community coordinator Jason Ruiz, the impact of LeBron on the campus does not relate to sports only; the name of the basketball player often becomes part of regular conversations of students.
One of the reasons why it happens is that a lot of people consider LeBron a cultural symbol; the point relates both to the generation of older and young students.
“It becomes difficult to imagine the NBA league without LeBron because he became the standard setter during his long career. Since many students grow watching LeBron, it becomes interesting to hear about his retirement. Our students know about LeBron even though they don’t really watch the games; therefore, it speaks for itself about his fame,” said Ruiz.
The career of LeBron has also been used as a motivational factor for many of the members of the boys basketball program.
Christian Sosa, an assistant coach with the team, notes that James has been talked about quite often in practices, as well as in discussion groups with regard to leadership and dedication.
“Every now and then we show some footage of LeBron playing because he is the very embodiment of effort and intelligence put together,” Sosa stated. “It is really sad to think that we are at a point where the next few years will mark the end of witnessing this on the court,” said Sosa.
He further elaborated on the influence that LeBron’s commitment and longevity have had on his players.
“Since our guys have grown up watching LeBron, they feel they will lose a role model when he retires from the game,” Sosa pointed out.
In the view of the girls basketball coach Mr. Chandler, LeBron was not just an exceptionally talented person who had achieved success in sports and set many records.
In particular, Coach Chandler noted that LeBron was the epitome of perfection and said: “It’s been really great for us to have one of those once-in-a-lifetime-type of athletes like LeBron. I mean, it is pretty depressing to think that it might very well be the last couple of years that he has left.”
Coach Chandler also touched upon the impact of LeBron on people off the court, saying: “Even our kids look up to him in how he conducts himself and in the fact that we speak about him as we discuss leadership and teamwork
LeBron James’ legacy and future, however, remain topics of discussion within the school community with some awe and apprehension.
There is consensus that although the retirement of the player may be inevitable, it certainly does not mean it becomes any less tough for people to cope with the prospect.
For the majority, LeBron James is a true representative of an athlete who has achieved excellence for decades and has made his mark in cultural, media, and sporting realms.
It becomes apparent throughout the season that members of the JDHS community realize that they are now making a choice to take advantage of the remaining years of LeBron’s play at an elite level. Whether through highlights, playoff, or end-of-season games, there comes a point where individuals realize that they are watching history in the making.
It also becomes quite apparent that the time will come where he will retire, and the sport just won’t be the same without him.