LeBron James can be called many things, but a poor scorer is not one of them. This season, just like his last, Bron has scored enough and more points in 20 games, as compared to what Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored in 50 of them. LeBron James hasn’t been a Laker for as long as him, but he’s a much better scorer at that age.
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And it’s funny because Bron’s a pass-first guy. He’s closing in on the top-scorer record, and according to him, he didn’t even try. Such a humble brag, sure, but his effort shouldn’t be brushed off lightly. He recently broke Michael Jordan’s record for the oldest player to score 30 or more points in three consecutive games.
In comparison to his colleagues who’ve reached the 20-year mark, The King is head and shoulders above them. Ten players have ever touched that mark, and two of them are active. One is Bron; the other is Udonis Haslem.
The others have struggled to make an impact that late in their careers, but analysts like Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith expect him to make an impact as he did 10 years ago. He is held to the highest standards.
Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Three big names, but not after playing 20 seasons
Kobe Bryant, in his 20th year, had a farewell season, with every city bidding him a nice adieu. Apart from his memorable 60-point game that year, he didn’t have too many more memorable games in and around that time.
Dirk Nowitzki, in his 21st year, broke the 20-year barrier, which was then bettered by Vince Carter by reaching 22 years. While it was nice watching them play, nobody expected them to play as Bron does. He’s treated differently, and it’s because of how well he’s maintained himself.
Kobe, Dirk, Vince, and Kareem were pushing 30 minutes a game; the current Lakers superstar is managing well over 36 minutes. Darwin Ham’s rotation policy has seen him clock 42+ minutes regularly, too.
LeBron James has taken his foot off the gas slightly – he can turn it up a notch whenever he wants to
Not many players have done what LeBron James can; some players’ peaks are lower than his in year 20. Currently, LeBron has played 21 times, averaging 36 minutes per game. In those minutes, these were his stats: 26.7 points (including 30 against the Denver Nuggets), 8.6 rebounds, and 6.3 assists
In comparison, Ja Morant has 27.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.9 assists. while being a full 14 years younger than him. Not to bash Ja, but Bron’s numbers show how lightly we’ve taken productivity by a man nearing his 40s too lightly.
It’s become the norm to see LeBron James score with ease; people joke about the passage of time taking away his powers, but looking at him play, has he? Jason Momoa played Father Time convincingly, but aside from a few key moment gaffes, has Bron made a mistake this late in his career?
Just take his last remaining draught class buddy, Udonis Haslem, for example. He was a bench warmer four seasons ago, and now all he does is coach. Bron? He’s a legitimate superstar, gunning for a fifth championship.
The way he plays isn’t natural for a soon-to-be 38-year-old. When Kobe Bryant was that age, he was on his last legs, teetering on tenterhooks. Dirk Nowitzki could barely run, Vince Carter’s flight was grounded, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was reduced to a Dwight Howard who could score 10 points a game.
This man? He’s still putting up numbers that rival those of players born close to the time he made his debut.
Also Read: 37-year-old LeBron James Surpasses Michael Jordan in “Rare Scoring Feat” vs Nuggets
