LeBron Finally Starting to Act His Age

LeBron James is playing his 22nd season in the NBA and nearing his 40th birthday. 

What he is doing at his age, this late into his career, is unprecedented. 

No player has been as effective, productive, or impactful at LeBron’s age. 

In November, he talked about his upcoming retirement: He’ll go when he’s ready, and he’ll know when it’s time.

“I am not playing until the wheels fall off. I am not going to be that guy. I am not going to be the guy who is disrespecting the game because I just want to be out on the floor,” he said.

James turns 40 on December 30.

Already discarded was the goal James set to play in all 82 games. He’s dealing with a foot injury and took time away from the team. He looks like he’s carrying a heavy burden — and coming to terms with Father Time being undefeated. 

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Forever Streaky

For a stretch from Nov. 28 to Dec. 3, LeBron went 0-19 from behind the arc. During those four games, he scored 16, 12, 27 and 10 points. We have to note that his 3-point shooting has always been up and down. For example, during the championship campaign of 2016, he shot only 30.9% from behind the arc, the second lowest of his career.

Jumpers have always been a bonus, because he is doing everything else at nearly an unparalleled level. But it is evident that his scoring will come down, and perhaps quickly.

James is averaging 22.8 points, 9.1 assists and 8.0 rebounds per game. 

If he finishes below 25 points per game, it will be only the second time in his career he hasn’t topped 25 points per game. 

This season, we might even see the end of LeBron’s legendary streak of 10-point games, which is approaching 1,250.

There are other signs of his decline. 

For example: 4.1 turnovers per game, the second-highest of his career. 

He topped 4 turnovers per game in his final two seasons with the Cavaliers.

LeBron’s Unprecedented Career

While LeBron is slowing down, he is still doing something we have never seen before. 

Last month he became the oldest player in NBA history with three straight triple-doubles. That included a game with 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 14 assists against the Grizzlies. At the age of 40, and in his 22nd season, he is still playing 30-plus minutes per game. 

Here’s a look at how it all ended for some of the best in NBA history:

• Robert Parish, legendary Celtics center, dropped below 30 minutes per game at age 38 and averaged around 13 points and 8 rebounds in his last three seasons with the Celtics. He played for three more seasons, but never averaged more than 5 points.
• Dwyane Wade, LeBron’s sidekick and friend, retired at 37 years and wasn’t playing at an All-Star level after age 34. He played less than 30 minutes in his final five years.
• Dirk Nowitzki, one of the best scorers in league history, never averaged 20+ points after he turned 35
• Vince Carter played until he was 43, but turned into a role player at age 34. He played between 15 and 18 minutes in his last six seasons, averaging 8 points per game at age 40
• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was an All-Star until he retired, but didn’t top 34 minutes per game in his last seven seasons. At age 40, he averaged 14.6 points and six rebounds, playing in 29 minutes per game
• Michael Jordan retired at 34, came back at 38, but averaged only 22 and 20 points in his two seasons with the Wizards. He did play in 82 games at age 39, averaging 37 minutes per game.

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Another Kobe Situation

The Lakers have been in this situation before. 

When Kobe Bryant was near the end of his career, the Lakers were not competitive. Bryant’s salary prevented them from making any move in free agency. They gave Kobe a two-year, $48 million extension all but eliminating their cap space to add around him.

They are now in a familiar situation with Anthony Davis and James signed. 

After James signed a two-year, maximum contract worth $101 million this summer, the Lakers next chance to free up space is the summer of 2026.