This one feels less like a survey result and more like a slap in the face. ESPN’s September 2025 offseason poll of 20 coaches, scouts, and executives has ignited a firestorm — Stephen Curry collected 11 votes, Anthony Edwards earned 8, Donovan Mitchell snagged 1… and LeBron James? Zero. Not even a courtesy nod. At 40 years old, the King is being disrespected like never before, erased from the conversation as if his greatness expired overnight.
But how can anyone forget what he just accomplished? Last season alone, LeBron averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, shooting an incredible 51.3% over 70 games. He wasn’t just showing up; he was carrying the Lakers to 47 wins and another playoff berth. He made his 21st All-Star selection — a number most stars can only dream of. Compare that to Curry, who put up similar scoring numbers but missed the playoffs entirely, or Edwards, whose raw talent has yet to translate into LeBron-level dominance.
And then there’s the Olympics, where LeBron reminded the world why he still belongs in this conversation, putting up 14.2 points per game for Team USA and shining when the pressure was highest.
This isn’t just about stats — it’s about impact, leadership, and legacy. To act as if LeBron is no longer the best American player isn’t just questionable. It’s blasphemous. It’s rewriting history in real time, as if the King hasn’t proven, time and again, that he still rules the game.
Fans aren’t just angry — they’re furious. The King deserves his crown, and dismissing him is a mistake the NBA will regret.