Love him, hate him, believe he is a product of modern science, or some combination ... he’s doing things we’ve never seen before in the NBA.
Counting playoff games, the guy has averaged nearly 90 games a year for the past 16 years. And here is, in the 17th year, now leading the NBA in assists and continuing to put mind boggling numbers and leading his team to a great record.
I don’t think he has the same high wire athleticism he had 5 years ago, and he definitely takes plays off on defense, but we are seeing one of the great, resilient, brilliant athletes who have ever played any sport. Like him of hate, it’s worth savoring how he understands the game ... and we may never see his likes again.
Looking forward to whatever the next evolution in the sport is because it’s hard to sit through.
Looking forward to whatever the next evolution in the sport is because it’s hard to sit through.
Agreed. I have not enjoyed the NBA in at least the last 10-15 years. The collaboration of stars building “super teams”, which LeBron gets blamed for but it really starts with the Celtics (Allen, Garnett, Pierce teams), and the disappearance of the true Center and Power Forward have hurt the game in my opinion.
Ages ago he said he could lead the league in scoring if he tried. While he's not a top level shooter, that's not hard to believe, certainly in past
Now on this team, he didn't say he would or could, but leads the NBA in assists. And if he wanted, he could lead the league in rebounds going about it like Rodman. I'd say he might still even be able to become the top defender if that was his main focus, because he's good at that too
As OP said, hate him or not, the guy is unbelievable on the court
He also lacks that certain grace around the hoop, like a Jordan, that makes his game a little less enjoyable to watch for me.
But, there will always be another, that's how things go. I think Emoni Bates might be that, only he can save the Knicks.
Looking forward to whatever the next evolution in the sport is because it’s hard to sit through.
Indeed. I haven't been able to enjoy watching an NBA game for about 7 years now.
He also lacks that certain grace around the hoop, like a Jordan, that makes his game a little less enjoyable to watch for me.
But, there will always be another, that's how things go. I think Emoni Bates might be that, only he can save the Knicks.
I see what you are saying about the grace part. LeBron is more of a bruiser than Jordan, much bigger athlete which I think is part of it. Not saying there wasn’t flopping in the past, but the amount of flopping in today’s NBA is astounding.
I read an article that mentioned LeBron spending $1.5 million a year on physical fitness (personal trainers, diet, workout programs, etc).
Quote:
... is the off court work he puts in. He has a whole team of guys who watch his nutrition, his workouts, etc. By all counts, he takes the "professional" part of professional athlete seriously. He's a machine in the sense that he meticulously takes care of his body to a level that I'm not sure the past greats did.
I read an article that mentioned LeBron spending $1.5 million a year on physical fitness (personal trainers, diet, workout programs, etc).
He’s already played DOUBLE the career minutes of Kevin Durant .... and still dominant.
And he's been a terrific role model for the game.
Has a great case for being one five best players that ever played.
LOL
And I'm a former Knicks fan who has the ultimate respect for MJ....