LeBron James had made great strides this season. Despite the Cavaliers losing several key players, their record was firmly locked in at sixth or seventh place in the East. While the playoff race in the East wasn't particularly fierce, the improvement in his leadership was plain to see.
Moreover, James had left Carmeron Anthony far behind this year. To date, he was averaging 27.6 points, 7.5 assists, and 7.4 rebounds per game—incredibly well-rounded, superstar-level numbers. Compared to his rookie season, it was a massive improvement.
This was why basketball experts fawned over him. James was, indeed, one of the rarest superstars in basketball history. A number one draft pick straight out of high school, a Black man from a humble background who, after achieving fame and fortune overnight, still managed to control his desires and train relentlessly to enhance his abilities. Add to that his God-given physical gifts... he truly deserved all the praise.
