LeBron James has achieved almost everything possible in the NBA world. From winning rings to becoming the scoring champion, the 40-year-old superstar has every single achievement studded on his crown. However, one collet on his crown remains empty and that is the Hall of Fame honor. With Carmelo Anthony recently making the final 17 of the Naismith HoF clash of 2025, Akron Hammer seemed to be the only one left amongst his peers.
So, the question has come up once again. Can Bron receive the honor despite being an active player? You may wonder why this popped up all of a sudden. No, it’s not because of Melo’s recent recognition. Instead, Bron directly joined in the conversation. Here’s how.
The Naismith Basketball HoF shortlisted the 2008 Team USA Olympics roster, famously known as the ‘Redeem Team’, in the final 17. Whether the Redeem team makes the cut or not depends on the 24 voters but the question surrounding LeBron James‘ HoF remains the same. As per the guidelines set for the election, a player must have fully retired for 4 seasons and be eligible for the enshrinement in the 5th season. It ultimately ruled James out of the equation.
Therefore, one thing is clear. Even if the ‘Redeem Team’ manages to make it to the final cut, it will be an honor directed at the team and not any individual. Moreover, it wouldn’t be the first time when an entire team walked up on the iconic stage to receive the privilege. In 2010, the organization honored two historic teams and one of them was none other than the ‘Dream Team’.
The organization made an effort to celebrate its legendary Olympics run in 1992. Notably, Chris Mullin, who was on stage with his teammates, received his individual HoF honor in the class of 2011. So, there’s proof that even if King James walked up the stage along with his Redeem Team mates, he would have his own enshrinement.
Has LeBron James spoken about receiving HoF as an active player?
It’s something without a doubt that the superstar’s HoF is locked. And, he would ultimately receive it four seasons after his retirement. There are only a few people in the league currently that has managed to secure the spot. One of them is Stephen Curry. So, the question that genuinely arose from the situation was, if they were so sure of getting the accolade why not present it to them when they are active?
Moreover, LeBron James had an interesting argument to make his case as well. Two years ago, James tweeted, “Why do players have to be retired before going into the HOF?? Coaches get in while still coaching rightfully so. Wondering what’s the difference though.” Fair enough. Yes, coaches do receive the honor while they still manage the team from the sidelines. For instance, recently Greg Popovich got enshrined in the HoF while he was reconstructing the Spurs franchise.
Why do players have to be retired before going into the HOF?? Coaches get in while still coaching rightfully so. Wondering what’s the difference though
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 23, 2023
However, there’s a catch. A coach can be added to the HoF under two circumstances. It’s either full retirement for four years or completing 25 years as a head coach. So, considering that, Bron still needs to play 3 more seasons to make his case, once again. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
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