Source: Matthew Stockman / Getty
LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and James Harden are still playing elite-level basketball, but it’s hard to ignore that they’re all in their late 30s or older.
As that generation of basketball players starts to age, a new crop that’s more than a decade younger is fighting to make themselves household names and usher in a new guard of championship-caliber leaders.
But the one thing the up-and-comers aren’t pining for is becoming the face of the league. The game is more international now than ever, and pundits believe players like Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic can’t wear the crown because they aren’t American-born players.
Then there’s Atlanta native Anthony Edwards, who doesn’t want the responsibility, and even King James understands the hesitation to accept the role.
LeBron on Anthony Edwards’ statement at All-Star that he isn’t striving to become the face of the NBA: “Channing Frye said it … ‘Why do you want to be the face of the league when all the people that cover our game and talk about our game on a day-to-day basis s— on everybody?’” pic.twitter.com/dNHHrzWRiT
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 28, 2025
“Ant said the other day he doesn’t wanna deal with that sh-t,” James told reporters Friday before pointing to something former Cleveland Cavaliers Channing Frye said recently. “It’s unfortunate but why do you want to be the face of the league when all the people that cover our game and talk about our game on a day-to-day basis sh-t on everybody? I feel Ant. I understand. I completely understand. There’s just weird energy when it comes to that.”
Since getting drafted in 2020 by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards’ explosive play, matched with his competitive personality, has helped him jump ahead as a front-runner in this league. So, naturally, the three-time All-Star was asked at All-Star Weekend if he wanted to be the face of the league, and he spoke honestly, saying he wanted no parts despite knowing his talent was worthy.
“Nah, not really… That’s what they’ve got Wemby for,” he told the media. “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.”
The sports media business has become increasingly lucrative, with players now controlling the narrative and pundits increasingly spouting hot takes that can understandably rub players the wrong way.
See how social media is reacting to James’ comments below.
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