MORRY GASH / AP

FROM THE TIME ARCHIVE King James LeBron James is the latest phenom with the "Next Michael" label—and the first who seems likely to earn it [1/31/2005]

It won't be easy living up to the hopes. While his talent has already established James, at age 20, as a bona fide star, he will need to be noncontroversial and politically correct, something even Michael Jordan took a while to learn. But in one respect, James could become even more influential than Jordan was. With so many players coming into the NBA fundamentally deficient, James' solid all-around skills can have a positive influence on kids and how they play the game. His improvement between his first and what is now his second season showed dedication and a desire to improve.

There will soon be pressure on James to lead Cleveland into the league's élite—and ultimately to a title. I went through the same thing with Cincinnati in the 1960s. While my statistics may have been impressive, the city would not be satisfied—and certainly I would not be satisfied—until I had a championship ring. It was only after I moved to Milwaukee that my team won a championship. James seems to understand that this is a team game, that individuals do not win titles. He appears level-headed and graceful in dealing with his notoriety, his good fortune and the high expectations. It isn't easy because people in his position attract a lot of instant "friends."

James' next step, if he so chooses, is to become a leader and inspire his teammates to play better as a unit. Cleveland isn't there yet. As James matures, will he develop the confidence to lead the effort to improve the team? Or will he play out his contract and move to a franchise that knows how to put together consistent winners? Either way, many consider him the new face of the NBA.

Hall of Famer Robertson is the NBA all-time leader in triple-doubles

Oct. 5, 1998	April 16, 1984	Feb. 5, 1990
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