The Athletic Names LeBron James the Greatest Player of the 21st Century

Even without stepping onto the floor since early May — when the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the NBA Playoffs — LeBron James continues to dominate headlines. And now, with his long-awaited season debut expected this week, the 40-year-old superstar has added another major accolade to his historic résumé.

LeBron crowned No. 1 of the century

In a new ranking published by the highly respected outlet The Athletic, LeBron James was voted the greatest NBA player of the 21st century.

The list only considers the period beginning in 2001, meaning Michael Jordan — who returned briefly with the Washington Wizards — was not evaluated in his prime context.

Even so, LeBron topped a list filled with icons, surpassing:

• Stephen Curry
• Tim Duncan
• Kobe Bryant
• Nikola Jokić
• Kevin Durant
• Shaquille O’Neal
• Giannis Antetokounmpo
• Dirk Nowitzki
• Dwyane Wade

It’s the latest affirmation of James’ cultural and on-court influence, which still resonates even after six months away from NBA action.

Full Top 10 — The Athletic’s 21st-Century Ranking

1. LeBron James
2. Stephen Curry
3. Tim Duncan
4. Kobe Bryant
5. Nikola Jokić
6. Kevin Durant
7. Shaquille O’Neal
8. Giannis Antetokounmpo
9. Dirk Nowitzki
10. Dwyane Wade
11. 
    

When will LeBron return?

For the first time in his 23-year NBA career, LeBron missed the beginning of the season.

The reason: lingering sciatic nerve issues that forced the Lakers to take an extremely conservative approach to his recovery.

But the wait appears to be nearly over.

Over the past week, LeBron has progressed from controlled G-League contact workouts to full team practices with no restrictions. All signs point to his season debut on Tuesday, the 18th, against the Utah Jazz at 6:30 PM.

Lakers staff members have emphasized that James looks “fully recovered” and has responded well to the increased workload.

With his return imminent — and now officially recognized as the greatest player of the century — the Lakers’ season narrative is about to shift dramatically.