Another season, another record for LeBron James. This season was truly historic for number 23, breaking records and achieving milestones all season long. Not only did LeBron move up the all-time lists (scoring, rebounding, assists, steals). He also became the only player in NBA history to reach 25+ PPG for 13 seasons. He racked up the highest assists per game average for a non-guard for a season in NBA history.
He had his 7th season of a 25-7-7 statline, passing Robertson for 1st all time. And he also had a career high for dunks in a season, throwing down 145 jams in 74 games. A pretty dominant season for King James, being in his 14th season at the prime age of 32.
Through all these great accomplishments, arguably his greatest accomplishment this season was done through his brilliant statline. He put up a statline that no one else in history has matched.
LeBron James' statline is superior to anyone else's in NBA history
LeBron James finished the 2016-17 NBA season with a statline of 26.4 points, 8.7 assists, 8.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks per game on 54.8% shooting and 36.3% from beyond the arc.
What makes this statline so unique in the history books is that LeBron James is the only player in NBA history to average at least 25-8-8 while shooting above 54% from the field for a season. Making LBJ the only player ever to do this. Michael Jordan and Oscar Robertson are the only other players in history to score 25-8-8 on over 50% shooting from the field.
In the past various players have averaged over 25 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for a season. Shown by leading MVP candidates Russell Westbrook and James Harden this season, but no one in history has been able to log these stats while shooting at such a high clip from the field. This proves LeBron's excellent efficiency that often gets overlooked.
Was this LeBron's best statistical season?
LeBron James has had many brilliant statistical seasons, as shown with his great career average of over 27 points, seven rebounds and seven Assists Per Game. Another record huh, LeBron being the only player in history with this such of a career stat line. But looking at all 14 seasons of his great career, stats wise this past season might be his best. He averaged career high's in assists per game and rebounds per game. And shot his third best field goal percentage of his career. Other honorable seasons include the 2012-13 campaign where he averaged a terrific 26.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.9 blocks per night. And the 2009-10 season, in which LBJ averaged a staggering 29.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 8.6 APG, 1.6 SPG and 1.0 BPG.
Both these seasons, the King walked away with the MVP hardware.
Whether you consider this LeBron's greatest season or not, we can all agree that it defiantly has been one of his best, and he's looking to continue his brilliance in this year's postseason.