There will never be another LeBron

There will never be another LeBron James. His basketball career has been incredible. He's one of the best players of all time, winning four world championships and appearing in eight consecutive NBA Finals. There's more to James, though, than his greatness on the court. But how many athletes could bring an entire league to a halt, based on a decision? And in LeBron's case, there have been several decisions. In 2010, LeBron turned his first free agency into a national television event. With the words "I'm taking my talents to South Beach," he brought joy to some and despair to many, many others. In 2014, his Sports Illustrated article – announcing a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers – sent an entire region into delirium. Then he left Cleveland again – after thankfully, securing a championship – and went to Los Angeles. Then, on Friday, he ended three weeks of internal and external deliberation by telling the world he was signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. LeBron is 41 years old. He'll be 42 by the time next year's playoffs start. And he's still wanted – craved even – by championship-hungry franchises. There have been only six players in the history of the NBA who have even played when they were 42. Not only will LeBron join that exclusive club – which includes Hall of Famers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Robert Parrish – but he will do so while still being regarded as one of the game's elite players. That by itself is remarkable. It's a little disappointing LeBron won't be returning to the Cavaliers for a third time. James is by and large beloved in Ohio. While some grumble about the drama he often creates, the fact is he brought Cleveland its first major professional sports championship in 52 years. In Philadelphia, James will likely have a different experience. If you don't win a championship, the fans boo you. If you do win a championship…they still boo you. But maybe it's for the best. James' Philadelphia decision isn't unprecedented. Pete Rose, another Ohio born superstar beloved in his home region, left the Cincinnati Reds and signed with the Phillies in 1978. Rose saw that the Phillies were a team loaded with talent. He had also already played in four World Series, winning two in Cincinnati. He was 38 years-old. As he said in an interview for ESPN's SportsCentury: "All they needed was a leader." He went on to lead the Phillies to their first world championship in 1980. Perhaps that's what LeBron is thinking. It's been more than 40 years since the 76ers last title. The 76ers are loaded with talent, from Jaylen Brown to Tyrese Maxey to Joel Embiid. Maybe it's one more challenge for the man who already has led three franchises to crowns. One more crown for the King, perhaps. And then what? If LeBron plays at a high level, he could theoretically have another decision to make when this contract is up. There will never be another LeBron James. Zach Baker is the sports editor for The Courier.