LeBron James once again reminded the world while he’s The King.
After powering Team USA through two tense exhibition victories in London, a 39-year-old James joined Kevin Durant as the best player on the court during a 110-84 blowout victory over Serbia on Sunday.
For everyone else in NBA history, scoring 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting in an Olympic opener as Year 40 approaches would be impossible.
For James, it’s just second nature.
A series of revealing photos show just how special The King is in basketball history.
“Iconic,” a fan tweeted.
James was a 19-year-old just coming off his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2004 when Team USA suffered an embarrassing 19-point loss to Puerto Rico in the Olympics and finished with a disappointing bronze medal.
Still, he was the biggest name in the NBA since Kobe Bryant debuted and already viewed as the heir to Michael Jordan.
During the 2004 Olympics in Athens, James averaged 5.4 points and shot 59.4 percent from the field in 11.5 average minutes.
He was still learning the game and understanding his power.
But James had moments when he celebrated like a future king, teasing his eventual status as the all-time leading scorer in NBA history.
Twenty years later, James is the undisputed leader of Team USA.
He was the best option during the final minutes for head coach Steve Kerr in London.
In Lille on Sunday, The King unleashed several of his trademark monster dunks and grabbed seven rebounds while dishing out a game-high nine assists.
He also outscored three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.
James’ celebrations against Serbia were stunningly similar to his joyous moves two decades ago.
He flew through the air and glided on another level while shaking the rim.
After big baskets at crucial moments, James flexed his arms and showed off his awesome basketball power.
“King James living up to the name,” one fan tweeted.
“Kinging,” a second fan posted.
“He is Father Time,” a third fan wrote.
James and Team USA will be tested again on Wednesday against South Sudan.
Photos taken 20 years apart show that Los Angeles Lakers great has significantly changed in two decades, but he’s still the same king of the NBA.
News Summary:
- Revealing photos taken 20 years apart show how dominant LeBron James has been spanning two decades of Olympics history
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