Player rankings are the ultimate test of someone's patience. They are a lot of fun and create good conversations, but the idea of creating a perfect list that will satisfy everybody is a fool's dream. That is especially true when it comes to NBA discourse.
There are certain subjects that most can come to a consensus on in this category. Something like Nikola Jokic being the best player in the world is nearly unanimous. Someone caught disagreeing with that statement will usually be met with ridicule.
However, when one moves past that pivotal top spot, how many people are really going to agree on who comes next at two, three, four and five?
Even still, LeBron James proved something, with regard to player rankings, in his 22nd season in the league. It was something that the Los Angeles Lakers and their fans knew all year long. For others, it took them a little bit longer to get caught up to the idea.
James reclaims notable distinction after 2024-25 regular season
It's easy to take just how great James still is for granted. At 40 years old, some are ready to move on from the player who the has been the face of the NBA for over the last two decades. The problem with that is James is not quite ready to let go just yet.
The 21-time All-Star averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game during his 70 appearances for the Lakers this regular season. James managed to register impressive efficiency to go with that, posting shooting splits of 51-38-78.
This all goes without even mentioning how much LeBron regained on the defensive end in terms of his effort levels and commitment. All of that was enough to have the makers of the NBA 99 list change their stance on the four-time NBA champion.
The Fansided staff tasked with compiling the list of the 99 best players in the NBA originally debuted James outside of the top 10. The Lakers superstar ranked 13th on the season's first edition.
After the conclusion of the regular season, those staff changed their mind. James has elevated himself back to where the all-time great has been for the vast majority of his career: inside of the top 10.
James ranked 7th on the updated NBA 99 list following the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign, only a few spots below his superstar teammate, Luka Doncic, who ranks 4th on the list.
Originally, players like Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson, and others were all positioned questionably above James on the list. That is no longer the case. LeBron only ranks behind Jokic,
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Doncic, Jayson Tatum, and Stephen Curry.
Most of the names above him now are more than fair judgment calls. As said earlier on, these lists can never satisfy everyone. However, James' current spot is much more aligned with how great the soon-to-be All-NBA selection has been in 2024-25.
