The record books of the National Basketball Association, that storied chronicle of high-flying feats and hardwood heroics, find themselves duly rewritten as LeBron James soars past legends to claim the most coveted of honors. With a score of All-NBA selections, including an unmatched 13 First-Team placements, he not only surpasses but also redefines greatness. His storied journey began on the cobbled courts of Akron, Ohio, and blazed through the draft, into the stratosphere of basketball royalty.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan—a triumvirate of 15-selection stature—now look upwards to James's towering achievement. And yet, the arena is far from quiet, as contemporary titans like Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, and Stephen Curry decorate their careers with 10 or more All-NBA honors.

An in-depth exploration reveals the gravity of James’s feat within the context of the NBA's history. His 20 selections, when illuminated by data and juxtaposed against his peers, divulge a story of unfaltering consistency and brilliance. The breakdown of his appearances across First, Second, and Third Teams paints not merely a timeline, but a saga of a competitor who defied the natural ebb of athletic prowess through the two-decade tenure of his reign.

Comparative analysis with his contemporaries and the giants of yesteryear provides evidence of his unique blend of ability, durability, and sustained excellence. Such analysis also sparks discourse on the evolving criteria for All-NBA accolades and how shifts in playing styles, team compositions, and game dynamics are reflected in these hallowed lists.

As the old adage goes, records are made to be broken, but LeBron's 20 All-NBA selections could be the Sisyphus stone of basketball achievements. His accumulation of appearances not only venerates his name but also sets a new standard—a touchstone for future generations. Moreover, the economic stratifications tied to these selections via contract incentives illustrate a shifting landscape where recognition has tangible financial weight—further heightening the stakes for each All-NBA spot.

While the King sits atop his throne today, the court buzzes with fervor. Durant, Paul, and Curry—with a hefty catalogue of selections behind them—continue their relentless pursuit. Will age and ascendant talent narrow the gap? The foundational stone of LeBron's record stan ds firm, yet the edifice of the NBA is ever-changing, with young prodigies eyeing the horizon, ready to rise. The anticipation of this generational exchange enriches the dialogue around the value of longevity versus peak dominance in the weave of NBA legacies.

In this grand coliseum of basketball, where every season is a battle for immortality, LeBron James has inscribed his name deeper into its foundations. Perhaps, in due time, a new champion will step forward to challenge his monumental record. Until then, we revel in the spectacle, no less awestruck by the tales that unfold before us, each chapter a testament to the pursuit of excellence that defines the NBA.