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In 2002, “Sports Illustrated” anointed 17-year-old LeBron James as “The Chosen One”. In 2020, 19-year-old Duke University freshman Zion Williamson is the next Chosen One in the NBA. Zion’s ferocity and basketball acumen warrant acknowledgment.
When LeBron’s Los Angeles Lakers recently played Zion’s Pelicans in New Orleans, 35-year-old LeBron took on young lion Zion. LeBron had 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists. Zion had 35 points and 7 rebounds. The Lakers defeated the Pelicans 122-–114.
The Lakers sustained their NBA Western Conference lead before the COVID-19 pandemic season suspension. Zion is the rising NBA Superstar. In his 18th season, NBA ‘Elder Statesman’ LeBron still has MVP game.
Near the end of the 4th quarter, Zion scored his ferocious dunk in front of LeBron . Then LeBron scored a step back 3 point jump shot with Zion guarding him. Zion had the biggest smile. He grew up watching Lebron on TV. He might have thought, “Damn, I’m playing LeBron James!” I’m a fan of Zion, who has that child-like wonder of the game.
LeBron’s greater-than version shoots 35% from 3-point range. Before every game, he arrives early to practice his shooting. LeBron reinvents his game, himself. No one works harder at being the greatest that he can be.
LeBron graciously acknowledged the next generational talent of Zion. He gets that Zion will one day replace him. Yes, time is undefeated.
After the game, LeBron hugged Zion in center court. He spoke into Zion’s ear. Both embraced and shook hands. Mad love and respect. That drew my tears. Lebron’s son, who’s the high school basketball star, is 4 years younger than Zion. Perhaps, Lebron gave Zion some ‘fatherly’ advice. Zion is part of his legacy, too.
LeBron said, “The league is in great hands with guys like Zion, Ja Morant, Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Jayson Tatum, and the list goes on and on. I’m just happy to be part of it.”
Over his career, LeBron has inspired the next generation of NBA stars like Zion Williamson and Jayson Tatum to become the greatest that they can be. He gets his mortality. He’s still driven to win another NBA Championship.
In the bigger picture, LeBron’s legacy is the next generation of NBA Superstars, who are being the best that they can be. They never cheat the game. They keep their love for the game. The NBA will indeed be left in “great hands”. That’s LeBron’s mad love and respect for them, and for the game.
We all have our individual ‘zeroes’, our individual starting points. We work from there. I’m not in LeBron’s ZIPcode, as one of the greatest to do what he loves. Still, I find meaning in reinventing my greater-than versions.
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Greatness is cool. Greatness can also be so fleeting. Yet, contributing to another person’s greater-than version is more meaningful. A meaningful legacy.
I’m 58 years old. I get my mortality. Some say, “Age is just a number. It’s all in your mind.” Really? That narrative dismisses the dedication of body, mind, and spirit required to do what I love for as long as I can.
For over 30 years, I’ve trained in Aikido. Aikido is the love of my life. Nothing but mad love and respect for Mizukami Sensei, who taught me. My body aches from old injuries and all, whenever I train. I get what I can do, and what I used to do. Time is always undefeated. Still, I train. Still, I have fun.
Mastery arises from our mortality. Mastery is never about being the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). Mastery serves and nurtures others as they invent their greater-than versions. That’s what Mizukami Sensei did over the years.
Mizukami Sensei taught Sensei Bobby and I. Now, Sensei Bobby teaches me. We both reinvent our next greater-than versions. We perpetuate Sensei’s legacy, guiding students to become their greater versions. Perhaps, they’ll do the same for their students. And so on. Like LeBron, I’m just happy to be a part of it. I do my best to contribute in others’ greater selves.
In my 32 year Systems Engineering career, Al, Chuck, and others contributed to me. I pass on what I got from them to the next generation of systems engineers. Perhaps, that makes a difference. Maybe, they pass on what I could bestow. System Engineering is left in “great hands”, too.
In the bigger picture, perhaps the world will be a little greater than when I came into it. I’ve done my best to contribute to others’ greater-than versions in meaningful ways. They create their greater-than versions, their greater lives. Nothing but mad love and respect.
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