The Los Angeles Lakers remain title contenders in the ever-competitive Western Conference, and LeBron James is a huge reason why the team has been so successful. The King is just a few months removed from an NBA title and a Finals MVP after defeating the Miami Heat in the Orlando Bubble.

James just celebrated his 36th birthday in December, but he still somehow seems to wow people on a nightly basis–including current NBA players who speak highly of one of the best to ever play the game.

For his part, Boston Celtics guard Kemba Walker expressed his admiration for the Lakers icon, who has handled the pressure of winning really well and established himself as a role model for old and new players alike.

Pressure has always surrounded LeBron James, ever since high school, and all he's done is respond time and time again. He got slammed for going to the Lakers in free agency, as some circled it as a move for his acting career and nothing related to basketball.

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However, James is off to a fantastic start this year and is averaging 25.5 points with 7.8 rebounds and 7.5 assists in 20 games so far. He is right in the middle of the NBA MVP conversation, even after the Lakers lost two straight games. After all, James just dropped 46 points a few nights ago against the Cavaliers in his return to Cleveland.

The things he does year in and year out, even at this age, is catching everybody's attention, and guys like Kemba look up to LeBron James as an idol and a role model.

James and the Lakers are looking to defend their title, and going into the season, they were widely selected as the favorites to win another championship. Doing so would cement The King's legacy even further as one of the best to ever play in the NBA.