LeBron James Finds New Motivation With 'Washed King' Narrative

In Thursday’s Hot Clicks: LeBron James's latest motivational tool, a legendary goalie calls it quits and more.

It's #WashedKing Time

Now that LeBron James's Space Jam press tour has come to a close, it's time for the four-time champion to prepare for his 19th NBA season in 2020-21. And it appears as though James is having no trouble finding some extra motivation as he nears two decades in the league.

ESPN released a survey of 10 NBA scouts and executives on Thursday, asking the voters a series of questions about who the game's top player is, what the best offseason move was and more. As for the best player alive, five chose with Kevin Durant and five picked Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

James didn't take too kindly to being left out. 

THANK YOU! As if I didn’t need more to⛽️ ME! #Washed👑

— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 19, 2021

Motivation for the Washed King 👀 pic.twitter.com/1gxJR932ra

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 19, 2021

The split vote for Durant and Antetokounmpo makes sense despite James's extended brilliance. Antetokounmpo just won the Finals with one of the greatest closeout performances in league history, and Durant's dominance in Tokyo only further highlighted his standing as one of the greatest scorers ever. Nowadays, James has some stiff competition in the chase to be known as the greatest player alive. 

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Perhaps James would admit he's a tick below Durant and Antetokounmpo in a vulnerable moment, but don't expect that to be acknowledged publicly anytime soon. For now, James will take ESPN's survey as yet another slight, one that will be tucked away as he eyes the Larry O'Brien Trophy once again. LeBron may now be a #WashedKing, but he's nowhere close to done in his chase for another championship.  

The best of SI

James Harden isn't shying away from championship expectations in Brooklyn. ... Dak Prescott details his recovery from season-ending ankle surgery. ... The WNBA is working to emerge as a leader regarding mental health. ... Manny Pacquiao's next fight has far higher stakes than just any boxing match.

Around the sports world

A former Miami player has been arrested in connection to the 2006 murder of teammate Bryan Pata. ... Chelsea star Christian Pulisic has tested positive for COVID-19. ... Rafael Nadal will miss the U.S. Open due to a foot injury. ... The USWNT is still ranked No. 1 in the world despite winning bronze at the Tokyo Olympics. 

Happy Trails, Hank

All Hail The King 👑

Congratulations on an incredible career, Henrik Lundqvist (@hlundqvist35)!

Read more on @NHLdotcom ➡️ https://t.co/x4embTZCE5 pic.twitter.com/J5c0LmxMtl

— NHL (@NHL) August 20, 2021

Beefy Bombers

Luke Voit says the Yankees are calling it the "goal line package" when they have all of the big guys hitting at the top of the batting order pic.twitter.com/NS2cGhqcBX

— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) August 19, 2021

Meeting the Heisman Hype

.@DeVontaSmith_6's first catch in an Eagles uniform!#NEvsPHI | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/DrnXBn7epo

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) August 20, 2021

Not sports

Larry David stays true to himself in an argument with Alan Dershowitz. ... Lorde has released a new album. ... OnlyFans is banning sexually-explicit content. ... Britney Spears is under investigation for allegedly striking an employee. 

A good song

Email dan.gartland@si.com with any feedback or follow me on Twitter for approximately one half-decent baseball joke per week. Bookmark this page to see previous editions of Hot Clicks and find the newest edition every day. By popular request I’ve made a Spotify playlist of the music featured here. Visit our Extra Mustard page throughout each day for more offbeat sports stories.

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