NEW YORK — NBA archivists conducting a routine review of league records were reportedly stunned this week after opening LeBron James’ 2003 rookie file and discovering the player listed inside is still actively employed.
Officials initially assumed the database had failed to update.
It had not.
The file contains scouting reports written when flip phones were considered advanced technology, footage recorded before YouTube existed and several references to players who have since become coaches, executives and people whose children are now entering the league.
LeBron remains on a roster.
“This should have been moved to historical records years ago,” one fictional archivist said. “Instead he apparently has practice tomorrow.”
The discovery forced employees to reorganize the league’s filing system.
LeBron now appears simultaneously under Active Players, NBA History and Things We Probably Need to Scan Before the Paper Disintegrates.
His career has lasted long enough to overlap multiple eras of basketball strategy, television technology and jersey design.
He has played against fathers.
He has played against sons.
At this point, archivists are simply hoping he retires before the league switches file formats again.
Until then, the 2003 rookie folder will remain open.
