Jerry West wishes haters would leave LeBron James alone

As he gets ready to enter his twentieth season in the NBA, LeBron James has put together a historic career. However, despite being one of the game's greatest talents, he has made his fair share of enemies along the way.

For multiple reasons, the LA Lakers forward has become one of the most polarizing pro athletes of his generation. Many applaud him for everything he's done over the past two decades, while others sit around every corner waiting for him to fail.

LeBron has done well as the face of the NBA throughout his career, but still has his fair share of critics. Most of the hate derives from the fact that he's jumped from multiple teams over the course of the last eight years. Others also brought up his losing record in the finals.

During a recent interview, one NBA legend decided to come to the aid of the All-Star forward. Jerry West greatly admires what LeBron has done in his career and feels people need to pump the brakes with their negative comments towards him.

"I greatly admire what he's accomplished."

"It's hard for me to believe that someone doesn't recognize his greatness. this guy does everything, he's a swiss army knife. And he's competitive as hell. Frankly I wish people would leave him alone."

LeBron James is slowly closing in on history

Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers

The 2022-23 season is on pace to be special for LeBron James in more ways than one. Along with it officially marking 20 years in the league, he is closing in on etching himself in the history books.

In sports, there are multiple records that everyone believed would never be broken. One of them being Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 38,327 points. Fast forward to now, and a new name is gearing up to take over the top spot on the NBA's all-time leading scorers list.

Heading into this season, LeBron sits roughly 1,300 points behind Kareem for the record. Barring a major setback, he is expected to surpass him around the midway point of the year.

Many thought this record would never be touched simply because of longevity. Kareem managed to set such a high mark because he managed to stick around into his early 40s. That being said, the Lakers star should set a new record shortly after his 38th birthday.

Like Kareem, LeBron's career is headlined by longevity. Simply put, no player in NBA history has been this good for this long. Even at this late stage of his career, he still manages to be one of the game's top talents.

Once he secures the top spot over Kareem, some feel it might solidify LeBron's case as the greatest player of all time. While he might not have the finals success of Michael Jordan, his long list of accolades will be too much to deny.

There are some moments in sports that are bigger than the game, and this will be one. Upon entering the league at 18-years-old with extremely high expectations, the kid from Akron managed to cement himself on the Mount Rushmore of the NBA.