LeBron James Understands Why Anthony Edwards Doesn’t Want To Be The Face Of The NBA
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has always been one of the most influential figures in basketball, not just for his remarkable play on the court but also for his leadership off it. Over the years, LeBron has set a high standard for athletes, balancing his on-court dominance with a growing media presence and social activism. But recently, LeBron shared his understanding of why Minnesota Timberwolves rising star, Anthony Edwards, has expressed his reluctance to take on the pressure of being the face of the NBA.
In a recent interview, Edwards, still only 22 years old, admitted that he doesn’t aspire to be the face of the NBA, a role that LeBron has carried for nearly two decades. “I just want to hoop,” Edwards said candidly. “I don’t want to be the face of the NBA. That’s a lot of pressure. I just want to be a great player, not necessarily a leader of the whole league.”
LeBron, having dealt with the weight of expectations since entering the NBA as a 18-year-old prodigy in 2003, has a unique perspective on the matter. He sympathizes with Edwards’ sentiment, understanding the immense pressure that comes with such a high-profile role.
“It’s not easy to be the face of the league,” LeBron said. “When you’re the face, every move you make is scrutinized. Everything from how you play, to what you say, to what you wear. It’s a lot. And it’s not just the game of basketball—it’s the business side of it, the endorsement deals, the constant attention, the media, and the impact you have on younger generations. It’s a lot of responsibility.”
LeBron, who has spent over 20 years in the spotlight, has handled the weight of being the NBA’s face with remarkable composure. Yet, even he acknowledges the toll it can take, especially on a young player just starting to find his footing in the league. For Edwards, a dynamic scorer and fearless competitor, his priority seems clear: focus on the game and let the rest come as it may.
LeBron’s understanding also comes from a place of experience. When he first entered the NBA, he was widely regarded as the next face of the league after Michael Jordan’s retirement. At the time, the pressure to live up to that expectation was overwhelming. But LeBron thrived under it, gradually reshaping the landscape of modern NBA stardom by embracing the role of both a basketball player and an influential global figure.
However, the landscape of the NBA has changed since LeBron’s early days. Today, the league is brimming with a new generation of stars like Edwards, Luka Dončić, Ja Morant, and Zion Williamson, who are more inclined to focus on their craft rather than the larger-than-life expectations that come with the media spotlight. LeBron believes this shift reflects a more balanced approach to stardom, where players recognize the importance of their personal growth and happiness.
“Everybody’s different,” LeBron added. “Some guys want all that attention, and others just want to play ball and let the game speak for itself. There’s no wrong way to go about it. It’s about what makes you comfortable and what allows you to be the best version of yourself. And if Anthony Edwards doesn’t want to take on the pressure of being the face of the league, I respect that.”
Edwards’ candidness highlights the evolving attitudes among young stars who are more focused on staying true to themselves and enjoying the game rather than becoming overly preoccupied with public perception. LeBron, a mentor to many of the NBA’s young stars, has been a vocal advocate for mental health and self-care, which makes his understanding of Edwards’ perspective even more profound.
For now, Edwards is content being a rising star with a potential future as one of the league’s brightest players. His talent speaks for itself, and he’s more concerned with continuing to develop his game than trying to shoulder the pressure of being the face of the league.
As for LeBron, he has his own legacy to continue building, but his empathy for the next generation of players proves that even the biggest stars can respect each other’s choices in the spotlight.
In the end, whether or not Edwards eventually embraces the role of being the face of the NBA, he has LeBron’s respect, and that, in itself, is a mark of true greatness. The future of the league looks bright with stars like Edwards leading the charge, whether or not they choose to take on the mantle of the NBA’s public face.
