LABron James Discussion: The Final Year?

I thought this was interesting...

 

Insane. Didn't even realize we have arguably 3 of the best bigs of recent times

 

Hi everyone, I've been following LeBron since his high school days and I'm now pulling for you guys to win the championship. I agree during first 10 years or so of his career he was arguably the fastest and most athletic player in the league.

Some other things on the top of my head that have changed (might add more later)...
1. can't lock down players as well defensively, especially the opponents' PG. The Cavs and Heat used to have him lock down PGs like Tony Parker when he was in his prime.
2. unable to beat players on the fast break as easily (now he relies on that spin move more and more for separation).
3. finishing ability around the rim. He now misses a bit more frequently whether it is from fatigue or poor elevation. Also, I can't think of any moments earlier in his career when he would get blocked at the rim. Especially during his 3rd NBA season I feel like not a game would go by without him getting at least 1 and one bucket if not 2.
3. dunking ability is about 60% of what it used to be. I love when idiots in the media rip on a ~35y/o guy with a million miles on his legs for dunking on European big men at this stage in his career. Think about it, not only did he play in 3 Olympics & 8 straight NBA finals logging insane minutes but he has only missed the playoffs 3 times in his career. Every year that he has made the playoffs he has NEVER lost in the first round (that in itself is insane, compare that to other players). Also, watch LeBron's dunks from earlier in his career, so much power combined with an incredible vertical. He has posterized numerous stars including KG and Duncan.
4. he doesn't score in bunches like he used to. There were numerous times earlier in his career where he would drop 20+ points in the first quarter and then you the fan would become very frustrated when he would proceed to pass to teammates for the rest of the game and not go for 60+.

 

So we should trade him before it's too late, right?

 

Absolutely

 

I'm thinking next year though. Unless he starts talking in the 3rd person. Then he has to go.

 

In all honesty, we need him to be very good for thee rest of this year and next; I don't imagine him opting out of his last year....

I'd probably play more more at the 4 at times if/when we go small...

Idk. Just something to think about.

 

Well, a younger Lebron would have posterized the whole Orlando team on that blown layup with a minute or two left in the game. Really weak finish for James

That being said his passing seems unreal right now

 

this is the kind of game that could wear an old man down

should have finished them off, and instead we needed his best to beat Orlando. Kind of disappointing really, but nobody on the team looked on top of their games today besides KCP.

 

Alex Caruso 41... AD 61

Looks like my Robin comments weren't as ridiculous as some thought. Will be interesting to see how the numbers look at the end of season.

 

<Facepalm>, because that post doesn't even deserve a proper gif.

 

It's a dual purpose post that forces people to choose between the mythology of the RPM as a legitimate stat... or admitting Harden has more impact on a game than AD.

Win/win for me... lol

 

Now that vash is gone, there ain't probably nobody on this particular forum who puts much value into RPM, so yeah, big win for you.

 

Dwight is going to bring down AD. Adjusted +/- can't fully adjust and the way Dwight is playing and his minutes staggered (i.e. he's in with Lebron with AD is out often) is going to be bad for Davis's +/-. Ironically enough this used to happen to Dwight in Orl with his various +/- stats when he had Gortat as his backup.

Compare this to Lebron and there is really is no backup for him on the Lakers.

 

Seriously, if that's true I'm happy because RPM was thrown in my face all last year when I supported Ingram.

 

Man it's gonna suck to see him really slow down in a couple years and start to struggle. It's like watching a hero go down

 

any stat that has will barton as the 5th best player in the league (or tatum at 4, or mclemore at 18, or divincenzo at 14) needs A LOT of work.