has Lebron James slowed down a little athletically?

[heyhey]

Anyone more familiar with Lebron's game noticing this?

This year in all the Heat games I have seen, Lebron's dribble penetration from teh top of the key in the half court set has not been impressive. He's not getting separation as much as I remember him use to. Instead he's usually barreling into defenders or backing into them or finishing a contested layup.

I would guess his number of half court dunks is way down from previously. Dwayne is the better penetrator on the team now, which is abit suprising to me since Lebron is perceived to be more athletic.

I haven't seen any rim level dunks by Lebron this year yet, even on the fast break he's not getting as high as he was in hist first couple of years.

Do you guys think he's plateaued athletically? how will this affect his game?

[asdf1990]

that's what ppl said last year too.

[PowerGlove]

Something is wrong. Dude would have posterized half of the people who are trying to stop him at the rim if this was like 07-08

[IGOTGAME]

Something is wrong. Dude would have posterized half of the people who are trying to stop him at the rim if this was like 07-08

age, plus different spacing. People say this everytime a team cuts the off the spacing against Bron.

[PowerGlove]

age, plus different spacing. People say this everytime a team cuts the off the spacing against Bron.
Age?:lol

Spacing?:oldlol:

What part of "at the rim" did you not understand? I know that teams know Lebron's skillset and what to take away, but when the help is late and he already has a head of steam, he's getting blocked/trying fancy layups like he's AI when he used to destroy players out there.

[IGOTGAME]

Age?:lol

Spacing?:oldlol:

What part of "at the rim" did you not understand? I know that teams know Lebron's skillset and what to take away, but when the help is late and he already has a head of steam, he's getting blocked/trying fancy layups like he's AI when he used to destroy players out there.

I dont see this happening.

[The_Yearning]

And he is only 25. Imagine this dude at 28.

[PowerGlove]

I dont see this happening.
Him getting blocked twice by Emeka Okafor.

[IGOTGAME]

Him getting blocked twice by Emeka Okafor.

So? Okafor measured him and timed it. What is so surprising about that?

[BallsOut]

Him getting blocked twice by Emeka Okafor.

maybe he owes Emeka some money :oldlol:

[IN-PAX-WE-TRUST]

Lebron turns 26 in a month. Jordan peaked atletically around 25 or so and he weighed 195 pounds in 1988. Lebron will need to develop a mid range jumper before he turns 30 or he will see a massive decline in his offensive game.

[pete's montreux]

People said the same exact thing last November.

And then he murdered that scrub on the Bulls on a one dribble-one step power slam from the free throw line. Cue the *Is LeBron the greatest athlete in the history of the human race?* threads.

No, he hasn't slowed down at all. He's f*cking 25. He'll be fine until he's 29-30.

[beermonsteroo]

He should drop some weight. This would really help him at this stage of his career. Cut down 15 punds and he'll be a lot quicker again. Especially as he's the Heats real point guard it would improve his game.

[IN-PAX-WE-TRUST]

People said the same exact thing last November.

And then he murdered that scrub on the Bulls on a one dribble-one step power slam from the free throw line. Cue the *Is LeBron the greatest athlete in the history of the human race?* threads.

No, he hasn't slowed down at all. He's f*cking 25. He'll be fine until he's 29-30.

Yes. He is only 26 in a month but the guy has played an average of 95 games a year since he was 18. Not to mention he weighs 255+ pounds. He will decline sooner than guys like MJ, Kobe, Nash etc...

[DukeDelonte13]

People said the same exact thing last November.

And then he murdered that scrub on the Bulls on a one dribble-one step power slam from the free throw line. Cue the *Is LeBron the greatest athlete in the history of the human race?* threads.

No, he hasn't slowed down at all. He's f*cking 25. He'll be fine until he's 29-30.


this.

[pete's montreux]

Yes. He is only 26 in a month but the guy has played an average of 95 games a year since he was 18. Not to mention he weighs 255+ pounds. He will decline sooner than guys like MJ, Kobe, Nash etc...

Correct answer would be 78.

[PowerGlove]

People said the same exact thing last November.

And then he murdered that scrub on the Bulls on a one dribble-one step power slam from the free throw line. Cue the *Is LeBron the greatest athlete in the history of the human race?* threads.

No, he hasn't slowed down at all. He's f*cking 25. He'll be fine until he's 29-30.
I dont think I ever seen Bron like this. It's probably just his shin injury though.

[sodapop]

LeBron James didn't slow down. His performance suffers whenever a good defender guards him. His game is limited. Eventually he will figure out his other talents. He need improvement on his jumper and the post up game. He can't rely on driving lanes forever.

[alenleomessi]

Him getting blocked twice by Emeka Okafor.
Emeka is one of the best blockers in the league

[LA KB24]

Him getting blocked twice by Emeka Okafor. And...?

[pete's montreux]

LeBron is like Dominique. Questionable jump-shooter with elite level athleticism, the ability to drop 50 on any given night and get hot like any other, bull his way to the rim and get 15 free throws a night with superstar calls. He may lose a step or two, but he'll be a 20ppg scorer until he retires.

[game3524]

He is washed up.

[LA_Showtime]

I think he lost a bit of his two foot explosiveness last year, but I don't know maybe my eyes are just playing tricks.

[sodapop]

LeBron is like Dominique. Questionable jump-shooter with elite level athleticism, the ability to drop 50 on any given night and get hot like any other, bull his way to the rim and get 15 free throws a night with superstar calls. He may lose a step or two, but he'll be a 20ppg scorer until he retires.

I agree. If LeBron improve his post game, he will be unstoppable. He has the size and the talent to dominate inside and outside. His post game is the last piece of the puzzle.

[beermonsteroo]

LeBron is like Dominique. Questionable jump-shooter with elite level athleticism, the ability to drop 50 on any given night and get hot like any other, bull his way to the rim and get 15 free throws a night with superstar calls. He may lose a step or two, but he'll be a 20ppg scorer until he retires.

Nah, i don't think you can compare them. Their natural skills is different.

[kabalcage]

He's just been lazy this season.

Dwyane must be rubbing off on him.

[Mr Clutch Melo]

People was saying this last year too

then Lebron did this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wzo4_KGL8Q

[magnax1]

Athleticism does not decline in the late 20's like people say. It begins to decline in the early mid 20's because stamina peaks in the teens and declines heavily once you begin your 20's. It's usually not a big decline usually, but people have speculated that it's worse for teen athletes since they're putting so much pressure on a bone structure that isn't fully formed. So in all likelihood Lebron probably has declined a small amount since 23, which is when you usually peak.

[che guevara]

Any decline has been unnoticeable, he's gotten plenty of halfcourt dunks this season (like against the Nets). The reason he's not penetrating as much is because the spacing has been awful. Look at this dunk:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMUp0dnF0QQ&feature=related

Still looks athletic as ever to me.

[Batz]

It's called fatigue. It's what happens when your coach makes you play 40+ mpg in a highly competitive sport.

[LA_Showtime]

It's called fatigue. It's what happens when your coach makes you play 40+ mpg in a highly competitive sport.

Then LeBron shouldn't tell the media he can play 48.

[che guevara]

Then LeBron shouldn't tell the media he can play 48.
He didn't, he said that if he could, he would. Not hard to understand.

[Batz]

Then LeBron shouldn't tell the media he can play 48.
He said if he has to play 48 he will. He doesn't. He shouldn't even be playing more than 38.

[bokes15]

I noticed it too. He isn't even jumping as high on his dunks. I was trying to figure out if it's just because he's taking it easy or if he just peaked athletically and is going down.

[pete's montreux]

[quote=beermonsteroo]Nah, i don't think you can compare them. Their natural skills is different.

[bokes15]

It's called fatigue. It's what happens when your coach makes you play 40+ mpg in a highly competitive sport.
He's done a couple of decent things at the end of highly competitive games though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siNxz63BHec

[sodapop]

Against bad teams, bad defenders, LeBron plays like he's from another planet. Against a good defensive team, a good defender, LeBron looks either average or horrible. I've been saying this for a very, very, long time here. LeBron is a shuck-n-jive player. He's only good when he's not defended properly. LBJ can't handle serious situations on the court against superior defensive teams. I will say one good thing about LBJ. Thursday's game against the Celtics, he did a great job keeping his team from getting blown away. I admired his determination, toughness in that game. He did not give up. I like that in a player. I hope he continues playing at that level. Second, he need improvement in his post up game. No need to lose weight. His size & weight is his superior ability.

[thejumpa]

He's 25 years old. Remember that dunk he had in the Miami practice? Dude is still the most athletic player in the league and will still wow us for another 4-5 years. When you are that gifted genetically, it never really goes away entirely.

[Cangri]

Maybe he should drop some weight to gain more speed. I remember he used to go to the basket much more easier and more frequently than he does now, maybe he's just lazy or tired?

[Indian guy]

He's INJURED. He looked great athletically in the preseason and prior to getting hurt a couple of weeks ago. He'll back to normal once his shin fully heals. This is nothing like last season, when he was healthy but still couldn't jump the first couple of months of the season for god knows what reason.

LeBron IS past his athletic peak though. He's not what he was from 07-09.

[IGOTGAME]

He's INJURED. He looked great athletically in the preseason and prior to getting hurt a couple of weeks ago. He'll back to normal once his shin fully heals. This is nothing like last season, when he was healthy but still couldn't jump the first couple of months of the season for god knows what reason.

LeBron IS past his athletic peak though. He's not what he was from 07-09.

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses...I have never seen a human being ride someone's ***** so hard in my life.

[Sarcastic]

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses...I have never seen a human being ride someone's ***** so hard in my life.

You should check YouCallILose's posts about Kevin Durant.

[Indian guy]

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses...I have never seen a human being ride someone's ***** so hard in my life.

Err...what excuses?

[The_Yearning]

Against bad teams, bad defenders, LeBron plays like he's from another planet. Against a good defensive team, a good defender, LeBron looks either average or horrible. I've been saying this for a very, very, long time here. LeBron is a shuck-n-jive player. He's only good when he's not defended properly. LBJ can't handle serious situations on the court against superior defensive teams. I will say one good thing about LBJ. Thursday's game against the Celtics, he did a great job keeping his team from getting blown away. I admired his determination, toughness in that game. He did not give up. I like that in a player. I hope he continues playing at that level. Second, he need improvement in his post up game. No need to lose weight. His size & weight is his superior ability.

You? Naw. I have been saying that for years. Almost a decade now. Yeah sure LBJ didn't give up...but he also isn't a closer. Airball killing any momentum his team had and another airball that hit the side of the backboard...that's just choking...he was wide open...that is just shaky...

[heyhey]

1/5 of the way into the season and I stand by my OP.

[Ikill]

I kind of noticed this too i think all the minutes and games he has played has effected his stamina and explosiveness. I don't think he declined a lot though if he was to lose weight and play a bit less he could get it back.

[reppy]

His elbow acting up? :confusedshrug:






:lol

[bagelred]

Possibly.

[kkling]

Then LeBron shouldn't tell the media he can play 48.

Learn to grasp the English language, and maybe you would understand that he did not say that.

[JustSaying]

LeBron James didn't slow down. His performance suffers whenever a good defender guards him. His game is limited. Eventually he will figure out his other talents. He need improvement on his jumper and the post up game. He can't rely on driving lanes forever.
This! :applause:

[step_back]

I don't think he has slowed down but he won't be able to get any more athletic. He is probably just tired from staying up all night shagging all those hot women in Miami.

[shootingcomets]

i think spacing has alot to do with it

he always had high pick and rolls with shooters spread everywhere in cleveland

in miami they dont have as many shooters so other team can just clog the lane

[MrJohnWall]

Yeah i noticed this too. Last season nobody could stand in front of him.
His jumper has regresses too. I dont think hes in 100% shape. Looks like he chilled for most of the summer.

[All Net]

His elbow acting up? :confusedshrug:






:lol
:oldlol: Must be.

[GiveItToBurrito]

Seems like he has a little bit, but it could just be a matter of aggressiveness. His rebounding and block percentages are down a bit despite playing on a team without any elite rebounders. My guess is that he was a little bit lazy this offseason and didn't train with his usual intensity this year, thinking that he could just waltz to a ring, but that's total speculation on my part. Nonetheless, even if he has slowed down a little bit, he's still arguably the most athletic player in the league.

[DukeDelonte13]

No.

[elementally morale]

stamina peaks in the teens and declines heavily once you begin your 20's.

Incorrect. Stamina (and general strength) INCREASE as you get older. If you take a look at the strongest man competitions and marathonists or ultra-triatlon champions, most of them are in their late 30s, some of them are in their early to mid 40s. Quickness and reaction speed decline from the mid 20s, indeed. Hops, too.


(Thx for the positive rep from a few days ago, BTW.)

[HBKMGa]

Quickness and reaction speed decline from the mid 20s, indeed. Hops, too.
[/SIZE]

All downhill for me then...:cry:

[sh0wtime]

I dont think so.

[Indian guy]

No.

Have you been watching the games? He's neither as explosive on the ground nor in the air. Barely has any highlight plays this season. It's just natural decline, I think. He'll be 26 in a month. Past his physical prime.

[Samurai Swoosh]

So many dumb people here with the "has he lost athleticism" comments

He's only 25 years old.

:facepalm

Dumb asses said the same thing last year, then I remember him catching a lob v.s. the Blazers and like his whole head and part of his neck were ABOVE THE RIM.

He was so high, it almost looked like from his chest up was above the rim.

[IGOTGAME]

I just don't think Lebron is playing hard right now.

[Samurai Swoosh]

I just don't think Lebron is playing hard right now.
No one on the Heat is ... besides Arroyo, honestly. All are playing un-inspired basketball. Which is a little alarming because they had so much ammo for enthusiasm heading INTO the season. The evil trio v.s. the world. They knew everyone would hate them and be gunning for them. How do you not get motivated to go out there and bring it with that collection of talent? LeBron and all his critics that he was "taking note of" ... they brought it hard for a couple weeks, and then stopped.

[TheAnchorman]

His athleticism and energy will last longer, because of his recent move... as much as Lebron ******* about been having played too minutes by Spo, he is still way better off than when he was at Cleveland, where he played a career avg of 40 min and, except for games at the end of the season, where he busted his ass every night to get them to consecutive 60 win seasons. At the rate he was going he would probably burn out his hops by 30, his body by mid 30s... Miami will increase his longevity.

[amfirst]

I think at 26 he would be in his greatest prime. That was kobe's peak prime with skillset and athleticism still good. But 27 and up he needs to really focus on skillset because the athleticism will start to slowly take a hit.