EXCLUSIVE
LeBron James is aging and graying.
Streaks of silver run through the thick beard of a 39-year-old, who is the NBA's all-time leading scorer but was just joined by his 19-year-old son, Bronny, on the Los Angeles Lakers.
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At some point, the torch is always passed.
From Michael Jordan to Kobe Bryant.
From Bryant to James.
And whenever James retires, The King will eventually be replaced by a new modern great.
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Anthony Edwards spent the 2023-24 season increasingly being compared to Air Jordan, who is still considered the greatest NBA player of all-time, despite James holding multiple major records and entering his 22nd season.
After a few games watching Ant up close with Team USA, The King is already impressed.
"Ant is going to be confident, no matter if he's in America or he's overseas," James exclusively told talkSPORT on Friday at a gym in London. "That's just his motto, his bravado."
The 22-year-old Edwards exudes confidence.
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He could also be a pivotal piece for USA head coach Steve Kerr in France, with a loaded team increasingly relying on a rising young star who hasn't made an All-NBA first team yet.
Edwards has quoted Jordan and isn't afraid to remind opponents of his fearlessness.
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Even when Minnesota went down 3-0 to Dallas in the Western Conference finals, Edwards fully believed in himself and his unproven Timberwolves.
"I've never been swept in my career," Edwards said. "I took it personal, man. I didn't want to get swept."
Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and James are the biggest names on Team USA, which is favored to win gold again and will play two exhibition games at the 02 in London.
At some point, The King will walk away from the hardwood forever and someone else will take his place.
Edwards has been hyped as a young Jordan.
But James is the one playing with Ant in red, white and blue, and he's already impressed with his young teammate before the 2024 Olympics begin.
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"He's a great young talent and he's an even better kid," James said. "It's fun to be around that type of energy."
Team USA opens Olympic play on July 28 in Lille, France against three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and Serbia.