The Crown He Doesn’t Want: LeBron James on Anthony Edwards’ Reluctance to Embrace NBA’s "Face" Status
LeBron James, a titan who has reigned as the undeniable face of the NBA for an unprecedented 22 years, empathizes with players who shy away from the immense spotlight and scrutiny that come with the title. James, now 40, suggests that the pervasive negativity and often unfair criticism from the media landscape surrounding the sport contribute significantly to this aversion.
Speaking to reporters after the Los Angeles Lakers’ recent victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, James openly questioned the allure of being the league’s poster child. "Why do you wanna be the face of a league when all the people that cover our game and talk about our game on a day-to-day basis s— on everybody?" he posed, highlighting the often-harsh and unforgiving nature of sports media. He characterized the responsibility as possessing a "weird energy," stemming from the constant judgment and pressure exerted by those covering the sport.
James’s comments were particularly poignant in light of recent statements by Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, a player widely seen as a potential successor to the throne. During NBA All-Star weekend in February, Edwards explicitly stated his disinterest in becoming the next face of the NBA, preferring instead to focus solely on his on-court performance. "Well, I’m capable of being that guy. But I don’t want to be that guy, put it like that. I want to be the guy to just show up and hoop and just kill dudes and go home," Edwards asserted, prioritizing his dedication to the game itself over the accompanying fanfare.
The veteran James expressed a deep understanding of Edwards’ perspective. "He said he don’t want it. I mean, obviously, I didn’t ask for it; but I knew there was a responsibility for me," James explained, reflecting on his own journey into the spotlight. He acknowledged that his acceptance of the "face of the NBA" role wasn’t a conscious choice, but rather a recognition of the responsibilities that came with his growing platform.
James elaborated on the weight of those responsibilities, extending beyond his personal ambitions. "Not only to my family, my friends, my community, and whoever that was gonna follow my journey throughout my career, not only to Ohio when I started there — but all over America and all over the world when I travel all over the world," he said, emphasizing the impact of his position on a global scale. He stressed that he has always taken these responsibilities seriously, understanding the significance of being a professional athlete and a role model.
"I feel Ant. I understand. I completely understand. It’s just weird energy when it comes to that," James concluded, reaffirming his empathy for Edwards’ decision to prioritize his performance over the pressures of being a public figure.
Edwards’ reluctance to embrace the mantle is a departure from the traditional ambition associated with ascending to the top of the NBA. Historically, many players actively sought the spotlight, recognizing the immense marketing opportunities and cultural influence that came with being the league’s most recognizable figure. Michael Jordan, for example, actively cultivated his image and brand, leveraging his on-court success into a global empire. Similarly, players like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird embraced their roles as ambassadors for the sport, contributing to its widespread popularity.
However, the landscape of sports media has drastically changed in recent years. The rise of social media and 24/7 news cycles has created a more intense and often unforgiving environment for athletes. Every misstep, every controversial comment, and every on-court struggle is amplified and dissected in real-time. The constant scrutiny can be overwhelming, particularly for young players still developing their skills and personalities.
Furthermore, the increasing polarization of society has seeped into the world of sports, with athletes often facing criticism and backlash for their political or social stances. The pressure to remain apolitical can be immense, but silence is often interpreted as complicity, leaving athletes in a no-win situation.
Given this context, it’s perhaps unsurprising that a player like Anthony Edwards would prefer to avoid the added pressures of being the face of the NBA. He clearly values his privacy and autonomy, and he recognizes that embracing the role would inevitably lead to increased scrutiny and a loss of control over his own narrative.
While many NBA fans yearn for Edwards to become the next face of the league, following in the footsteps of James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant, Edwards currently has the luxury of focusing on his game without the immediate burden of carrying the league’s marketing weight. James, despite turning 40, continues to defy Father Time and remains a dominant force on the court, effectively delaying the need for a definitive successor.
Whether Edwards will eventually change his mind and embrace the role remains to be seen. But for now, he seems content to let his on-court performance speak for itself, leaving the crown of the NBA’s "face" unclaimed, a testament to the evolving dynamics of the sport and the increasing pressures faced by its stars. The era of athletes actively pursuing the spotlight may be fading, replaced by a new generation that prioritizes authenticity and performance over manufactured image.
