16-year-old LeBron James shared the work ethic that eventually made him an NBA legend: "Someone out there working too, and if you stop, I think they could pass you " - United States News Beep

When it’s all said and done, LeBron James will be considered by many as one of, if not the Greatest of All Time when it comes to basketball.

While there will always be a discourse on whether or not it should be him instead of Michael Jordan, getting to a point wherein people are willing to dethrone “His Airness” himself for your legacy is already an accomplishment in itself.

First bursting onto the consciousness of hoops fans as a high school standout at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, it didn’t take long for James to become one of the most hyped prospects to enter the NBA Draft.

He ultimately declared for the draft and was picked number one overall in 2003 by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was dubbed “The Chosen One” and became one of the very few to live up to the hype.

Two years before he ultimately took the NBA by storm however, James, who was fresh off leading St. Vincent-St. Mary to a second-straight state championship, gave people a peek into the mindset and work ethic that would drive one of the greatest basketball careers ever.

James’ interesting view on putting in the work

When asked about what keeps him from becoming complacent, especially when he was at the time, already probably the most dominant and skilled high schooler in the country, James had this to say.

“Everyday, you got to go out there and work, because there’s someone out there working too, and if you stop, I think they could pass you up, so every day, my coaches push me, my teammates push my, my mother brought me up real good, and it’s pretty easy because the way I was brought up, and she taught me so much things besides basketball, and I just hope that keeps me levelheaded,” James said.

James continued to work and helped lead St. Vincent-St. Mary to another national title in his senior year before officially declaring for the NBA Draft. During the interview, James was also asked what his long-term goals are as a 16-year-old, and his answer was pretty straightforward: “To go to the NBA” and to be the best.

It surely looks like James achieved his goal.

LeBron’s legacy

Regardless of what his naysayers may say, James’ legacy as one of the best to ever play basketball is pretty much secured.

Since coming into the league in 2003, “King James” has put together a resume like no other, which includes four NBA Championships, four Finals MVPs, four NBA MVPs, 21 All-NBA selections, 22 All-Star appearances, six All-Defense selections and a spot among the NBA’s 75 greatest, among many other accolades.

He’s also the league’s all-time scoring leader in the regular season and the playoffs. James has the titles, the MVPs, the accolades and even the longevity to make a case for being the best ever.

Next year, James will enter his record 24th season in the league, and regardless of which team he lands on, he will continue to set more milestones and add to his already incredible legacy.

This story was originally published by Basketball Network on May 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

16-year-old LeBron James shared the work ethic that eventually made him an NBA legend: “Someone out there working too, and if you stop, I think they could pass you “

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