LeBron James’s career is almost at an end and Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors aren’t the dominant team they used to be years ago. With these stars aging, there’s a vacant slot when it comes to the next face of the NBA. For Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard, though, there may be more than one player qualified for this role.
During the 90s, Michael Jordan was undoubtedly the face of the NBA after leading the Chicago Bulls to a pair of three-peats, which resulted in six rings. Under the guidance of Phil Jackson and having Scottie Pippen as his number two option, His Airness was able to capture everyone’s attention during that decade.
Later on, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant shouldered the burden from Jordan during the early 2000s. By that time, the late All-Star won five rings in L.A. – three with current NBA analyst Shaquille O’Neal and two with Pau Gasol. His transformation into the Black Mamba added another layer to his legacy when he lifted the league after Jordan’s final retirement in 2003.
Even while Bryant was in the league, there was a time the late NBA legend was playing past his prime. At this point, LeBron James succeed him in becoming the league’s most popular player when he captured a pair of rings with the Miami Heat. This would go on until he delivered a championship to the Cleveland Cavaliers and led the Lakers to winning his last one inside the Bubble in 2020.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Damian Lillard Shares Thoughts On The NBA’s Next Face
With LeBron James about to hang up his jersey soon, the league is going to need a new star to build around on. According to Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard in a video posted by NBA on TNT’s official X account, both Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards and San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama can fulfill that role.
“I don’t ever think it’s just one face of the NBA or it wouldn’t be as big as it is.” 🔥@Dame_Lillard talks Ant, Wemby and the future of the league on the WCF Altcast on TruTV pic.twitter.com/fmNrSmGc2q
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 23, 2024
Edwards has been on an impressive run this postseason by leading Minnesota to eliminate both the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets. Wembanyama, on the other hand, mesmerized during the entire season by putting up insane numbers never seen before in the league.
It remains to be seen which of these stars will become the sole face of the NBA. But if Lillard had his way, both players will have to share that role in the years to come.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow us on Twitter at @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.
