The Basketball Hall of Fame’s 2025 class was officially inducted this past Saturday in a memorable ceremony.
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One of the more notable players who was inducted was none other than Carmelo Anthony, one of the best scorers of the past generation. Anthony, a well-deserved inductee, is now etched among the all-time greats in the sport.
He established himself as one of the best players of the past 25 years and is among the top 75 players of all time. Anthony played alongside some phenomenal players in his career, but none may be better than future Hall of Famer and the leading scorer in basketball, LeBron James.
James and Anthony are not only former teammates but also close friends. The two were in the same draft class and have each made their name among the greats this game has ever witnessed.
Eastern Conference All-Star starters Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls, LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat, Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic, Carmelo Anthony #15 of the New York Knicks and…
Eastern Conference All-Star starters Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls, LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat, Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic, Carmelo Anthony #15 of the New York Knicks and Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat are introduced during the 2012 NBA All-Star Game at the Amway Center on February 26, 2012 in Orlando, Florida.
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Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
The two have shared playful jabs over the years, and Anthony was the latest to take one.
During a recent appearance on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,’ Anthony delivered a lighthearted retirement message to James.
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“He’s still going, it’s unbelievable man… That’s my brother,” Anthony said. “We talk about being around, being together, being tied, being connected, being talked about since we were 17, 18 years old. And for me to be entering the Hall of Fame, and for him, hopefully get his ass up out of there and come on over [to] this side. [laughs] Enough is enough. Give it a break.”
Anthony last played in the NBA during the 2021-22 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. He officially retired in May 2023.
As for James, he’s shown very few signs of slowing down.
LeBron James Set to Enter 23rd Season in NBA
The 40-year-old superstar is set to enter an unprecedented 23rd season in the league. James is still arguably a top 10 player in the league and is coming off yet another season of averaging over 20 points a game.
James has suffered through a fair share of injuries, but when he is on the court, he’s just as impactful as ever.
The four-time NBA champion is set to begin his 23rd season, which also marks his eighth year with the Lakers — surpassing the seven straight seasons he spent with one club, which was the Cavaliers before heading to Miami in 2010.
James remains one of the league’s top players, and it’s hard to imagine we’ll ever see another star not only reach year 23, but still perform at an All-NBA level.
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