A recent NBA GM poll reaffirmed LeBron James’ status as a dominant force on and off the court, highlighting his leadership abilities. This decision echoes earlier criticism of James’ leadership style and its perceived ‘softness.’ The survey of the league’s general managers reflects their continued respect and trust in James.
King James continues to exert a significant influence as a prominent player and league leader while also addressing past reservations about his leadership style. This highlights his remarkable ability to maintain a leadership position in the NBA, even in the face of evolving views.
NBA GMs recognize LeBron James as best leader
LeBron James is gearing up for his historic 21st season in the NBA, and his will to win is relentless. He’s been an important influence for the Los Angeles Lakers, leading them through a wide range of scenarios, from title contenders to postseason absences. His persistent leadership and dedication to assisting his team and teammates in reaching their full potential have won him the distinction of NBA’s premier leader.
NBA GM’s have hailed him as the league’s best leader. In the 2023-24 NBA GM Survey on NBA.com, LeBron received 27% of the vote, just beating out GSW’s Stephen Curry, who received 23%. Despite not always being the most popular player in the NBA, this award recognizes L-Trains’s incredible leadership abilities.
LeBron James’s incredible career, which has seen him become NBA’s all-time top scorer, places him among the sport’s finest. His unparalleled ability to lead his team to the NBA Finals, even when they were not the most talented, demonstrates his exceptional leadership abilities. At 38, LeBron is still redefining career longevity in professional sports and is solely focused on bringing the Lakers another championship. Following their disappointment in the WC Finals last season, the Lakers are desperate to reclaim the Larry O’Brien Trophy under his unsurpassed leadership.
Ex-NBA star describes LeBron’s softer leadership style
Brendan Haywood, a former NBA player who had the rare privilege of playing with both Michael Jordan and LeBron James, shares insight into their contrasting leadership styles. Haywood, who played alongside Jordan while he was with the Washington Wizards and LeBron James during his final season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, highlights the huge distinctions between the two titans.
LeBron James, according to Haywood, has a more supportive and coaching-oriented leadership approach. He wants to help his teammates become the best versions of themselves. Michael Jordan‘s approach, on the other hand, is described as raw and unedited. He has a larger expectation of his teammates knowing precisely what to do.
Jordan and James have each achieved extraordinary success and left an indelible stamp on the NBA. While their leadership approaches differ, they have proven effective in their own right, and they are usually featured in discussions about the GOAT in NBA history.
