LeBron James has had one of, if not the greatest professional basketball career in NBA history, and he still has many years left. In his 15th season he is playing arguably the best basketball of his storied career, averaging 28.2 points, 8.6 assists, 8.0 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks on 58.7% shooting from the field and 43% shooting from beyond the arc in 37.2 minutes of action per night. He has put up this impressive stat line through just under a third of the season, playing 25 games so far, if he keeps it up, he will be favored to win his 5th MVP award.
LeBron has had many great seasons, so it is hard to assume that this year is his best, but mainly because of each and every season he plays at such a High Level and has an incredible all-around statistical season. This incredible year-by-year statistical greatness is proven as King James is the only player in NBA history to average at least 27 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists over their career. And LeBron also has the chance to become the only player in NBA history to reach 30,000 career points, 10,000 career rebounds, and 10,000 career assists.
LeBron does what’s expected
When an average player has a breakout season and averages huge numbers, everyone talks about it. But when LeBron James does what he does every single season, averaging huge statistics across the board, it is not mentioned.
This season once again, the NBA media is shining spotlights on players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyrie Irving and Kristaps Porzingis, players who are having the best seasons of their young careers. But it seems once again, the King’s spectacular performances are once again being taken for granted. LeBron commented on this, saying:
“I think people have just grown accustomed [to] what I do.
And it get’s taken for granted at times, what I do. Because I do it so often and its been a constant thing for so long, and it’s like ‘Oh, that’s what LeBron’s supposed to do’… so it looks easy, but it’s not.”
Averaging at least 25 points each season since his rookie season, being one of the leading scorers in the league. While also being in the top 10 in assists per game, and one of the highest rebounding players at his position for 14 to 15 straight years is what the King has been doing, and people need to start appreciating it.
He won’t be around forever
LeBron James maybe 32 years old and still is in the prime of his career. But as fans, media, and fellow NBA players, we should not take the King’s greatness for granted while he is still performing at the highest level on the NBA stage. Most players drop off or decline when they either reach the age of 33 or reach their 15th season, but for LeBron his constant desire to keep his body in peak condition and his love for the game has kept him playing at a high level until now, and will likely keep him at a high level for years to come. His ability to stay healthy will likely lead him to the number one spot on the all-time scoring list and high up in other statistical categories.
