Four-time NBA champion LeBron James is hurting the league at this point more than he is helping it by playing beyond 20 years, says ex-NBA player John Salley.
Salley, 59, became the first player in NBA history to win championships with three different franchises (since joined by Robert Horry, Danny Green and LeBron James). Known mostly as a member of the vaunted Detroit Pistons’ during their “Bad Boys” era of the late 1980s, Salley believes that King James is making it hard for the league and advertisers to market to a younger generation.
“It’s not good for the league to have old players still hanging around,” Salley told Vlad TV. “Takes away from the advertisement. You know, you’re trying to sell Ja Morant sneakers, you’re not trying to sell LeBrons.”
James’ popularity has scarcely withered after two decades in the league. He garnered nearly four million votes for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, second only to the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, Salley compared James’ longevity to Tiger Woods in that golf and Nike eventually moved on to the up-and-coming players in the PGA.
“Nike had to get rid of Nike Golf.” Salley said. “They had to get back to their core so they had to drop things that weren’t making them [money]. Tiger Woods was great for them but which one of the new up-and-coming kids are going to say ‘I want some Tiger Woods.’ No, they’re gonna go with who the new guy is. In business, especially in sports, you get in you get out. If you last ten years you are blessed.”
22 Responses
I think Salley makes a very good point from an NBA marketing and business perspective. However, the fact that LeBron got over four-million votes to play in the all-star game, speaks volumes to how fans feel about him. And also that he’s still relevant in the NBA…
I think you just jealous of a blessed man
They are a lot of Prince,s in the NBA, but remember BRON is *KING JAMES.”
Dat part
At the moment “The Joker” Nikola Joker is the best center in the league and he broke long standing records that LeBron never broke. He is a good example on what Sally is saying, let the younger players help inspire the next generation of youth.
Typo Nikola Jokic
That is your opinion Salley. If he wasn’t playing a lot of viewers would not watch as much or at all.
When you blessed by the best then you remain revelant he’s broken just about every record there is he just waiting to play with his son it might be hurting the NBA in a marketing in somewhat ,but keep it real Sally they got plenty of money and he’s the greatest player of this era
trying or selling Ja shoes. Jordan is just that great. 2 decades later, he’s still selling shoes. Is Jordan hurting the nba by still selling shoes. Ja is a good player but hasn’t been in the nba long enough to start selling shoes
Manuscript King
I am amazed by the hate and shade Lebron recieves, no matter what anyone feels about the person, he is an absolute Marvel to watch these 21 years, on and off the court. Billionaire playing basketball, LOL 😆 😂
Sally’s comments were just really immature. So many hater’s and jealousy of Lebron. Ja Morant will never be close to Lebron. Ja Morant is two small to keep doing these crazy acrobatic moves that’s why he keeps getting hurt. And Lebron is getting in trouble with the law every year. And Lebron is a family man first. He’s not going around impregnating women messing up children’s lives. AMEN
Everybody knows who LeBron James is around the world! So what are you talking about sad Sally? 🙏✊❤️😎
If you could have played and been relevant for 20 years you would have played through also! 🏀🏀🏀
Hell(Smalley) he wasn’t that good anyway as a matter of fact I had forgotten about his tenue
First off you know this is going to be a horrible story by the title. This man has NEVER been an Allstar, period. Secondly, he’s with that culture vulture Vlad who lies and when he gets caught will not be accountable. Sally? An Allstar? 🤣 🤣
Dear Sally: Are you so jealous of King James that you can not appreciate his greatness? There is no place for undesirable folk like you. Go find better things to write about and leave Lebron alone.
LeBron James is in my top 3 Kobe Bryant Michael Jordan LeBron James. He is great for the league. He has accomplished great achievements on and off the court. Play as long as you can Mr. James we’ll miss you once you’ve stopped.
Haters gone Hate regardless.. LeBron gets more Negative remarks versus Positive…..Why ,.. Because Jealousy is. a Bad Disease Keep on Balling LeBron cuz wen u retire.. Those haters are gonna miss ya🩵💪☝️✊.
Salley is a fool, period.
LeBron James Is A Worthy Opponent On So Many Levels! He Is Blessed By The Most High Above All The Earth 📖 🙏🏽JEHOVAH GOD 👑 Pure and Simple! #backtotheallysadsacksally!
See,that’s why we can’t have nothing,now here it is the month of February, when WE should especially be celebrating our evolution, our dedication, our strengths,our endurance, our blessings, and our perseverance, our determination through the struggle, and Sally gon hate, WOW. What WE need to do is appreciate the blessing inwhich GOD has bestowed upon us for our motivation, inspiration, and viewing pleasure by having someone like LeBron in our lifetime, it ain’t about no sneakers,it’s waaaaaay deeper than that. For those who REALLY keep GOD first, WE already know. Blessings to ALL. I’m out 🎤
YOU SPOKE VOLUMES!! I LOVE IT AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENT, COULDN’T HAVE IT BETTER MYSELF. SMILE