Lebron Physique and changes over the year

[retaxis]

When Lebron played in Cleveland he was quite perimeter orientated and demonstrated a leaner and quicker physique as you can see from his upper body strength and weight.
http://str8hoops.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/2008-nba-mvp-canidates-lebron-and-kobe.jpg

Last few years (4-5yrs) Lebron has developed a stronger upper body but an even stronger lower body to help him back down opponents while maintaining incredible athleticism (lower body). Goal was to become a better point forward operating from the paint more
http://www.thundergazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/king-james.jpg
http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/001/782/141/140685533_crop_exact.jpg?w=650&h=440&q=75
http://www.skyhdwallpapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/lebron-james-past-present-dunk.jpg
In 3-4years time I forsee Lebron to develop a very strong and bulky upper body e.g. Karl Malone so that he can utilise his strengths more inside the post when his athleticism e.g. transition dunks, layups start decreasing and require more upperbody strength to bully his way around weaker SFs and most PFs.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/Lipofsky-Karl-Malone-32727.jpg
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/1202/pro-athletes-in-wrestling-ring/images/karl-malone.jpg

What do you guys think?

[Rubio2Gasol]

As he gets older I see him shedding some of the excess upper body weight to maintain his speed. I don't think he's going to make that type of radical adjustment. You're talking about him playing off the ball - something he has never done.

[KobesFinger]

Include some pics so we know what you're talking about. I think as LeBron ages he'll try to lose weight so he can stay out on the perimeter. He doesn't really play physical in the post like others his size (Dwight, Blake, Millsap etc.) though he's too strong for any other SF not named MWP to keep him out of the paint.

[retaxis]

Lebron would benefit greatly from a stronger upper body in years time so that he can still play point forward and utilize his speed and strength to take advantage over SF (strength) and PF (strength and speed) while passing it to cutters and 3 point campers.

[shallehalle]

Include some pics so we know what you're talking about. I think as LeBron ages he'll try to lose weight so he can stay out on the perimeter. He doesn't really play physical in the post like others his size (Dwight, Blake, Millsap etc.) though he's too strong for any other SF not named MWP to keep him out of the paint.
Lebron also bullies MWP

[PotOdds]

LeBron is perfect as is. When he was in HS, they were saying he was a teenager with a man's body. He definitely was bigger than the other kids back then but he wasn't ripped. Big but soft from being a teenager. Now that he's NBA conditioned, he's ripped. Malone's bulk would be too much for him.

[buddha]

He looks the exact same size to me. maybe gained 10 lbs, but that is nothing on a 6'8 dude.

[retaxis]

Lebron is around 265-270 now maybe in say 5 years Lebron will be 280 with a lot more upper body muscle to help him muscle and draw fouls (with his speed) against just about anyone. Running around picks and stuff isn't his thing, leave that to the younger guards

[bmd]

LeBron is perfect as is. When he was in HS, they were saying he was a teenager with a man's body. He definitely was bigger than the other kids back then but he wasn't ripped. Big but soft from being a teenager. Now that he's NBA conditioned, he's ripped. Malone's bulk would be too much for him.I wouldn't say he had a man's body in high school...

http://globalbasketball.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/LeBron-vs-Carmelo-hs.jpg

[bmd]

He looks the exact same size to me. maybe gained 10 lbs, but that is nothing on a 6'8 dude.You wouldn't even notice 10 pounds on a guy who is 6'8". I'm 6'3", and when I gained 10 pounds it wasn't really noticeable.

LeBron has added much more than 10 pounds.

[retaxis]

He looks the exact same size to me. maybe gained 10 lbs, but that is nothing on a 6'8 dude.
Look at his calves, thighs, shoulders, arms. Quite obviously bigger especially lower body.

[bmd]

Lebron is around 265-270 now maybe in say 5 years Lebron will be 280 with a lot more upper body muscle to help him muscle and draw fouls (with his speed) against just about anyone. Running around picks and stuff isn't his thing, leave that to the younger guardsLeBron is not 265-270. That is like Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski weight. No way LeBron is thicker than they are. LeBron is in the 250's somewhere.

[turnaroundJ]

Looking at that first picture, Kobe hasn't aged a day.

[NBAller]

It depends on what LeBrons goal is. If he wants to be more of a brute type player then yes he will continue to add muscle mass and weight. If he wants to stay speedy and strong then he'll just maintain his current workout routine to stay in shape and not gain or lose anything.

And size doesn't necessarily reflect your weight, I've known toothpick guys that look like they're 130 to weigh like they are 160, so LeBron could very well weigh as much as those football players bmd named. We don't know, we can only guess which is a waste of time to me.

In highschool LeBron also did have the body of CERTAIN grown men. It depends on how you define a grown mans body because there are a lot of grown short small people. I'm sure he was at least 6 ft 180, so yes that could be a kid in a grown mans body seeing as how 5'11 is already considered taller than the average man.

I personally enjoy watching skill being displayed as opposed to a Shaq type of physical dominance, so I hope he focuses more on acquiring skill than more muscle and weight.

[inclinerator]

LeBron is not 265-270. That is like Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski weight. No way LeBron is thicker than they are. LeBron is in the 250's somewhere.
bone density?

[inclinerator]

lebron needs to be lighter as he gets older imo like timmy duncan this year

[Svendiggity]

Whoever said he doesn't look different is crazy.
His shoulders, chest, and especially his legs are all noticeably stronger.

I don't know what his exact weight is. I'm not good at guessing when people get over 200. But I've noticed that he is less flexible than he used to be. To me, it's a good thing because instead of trying to become skilled at all the hanging shots and layups like Kobe, he's focused on power. He knows what his strengths are and he does better at accentuating them. Instead of being good at everything, he's absolutely amazing at a couple of things. He plays with the mind of Stockton (only does the things he knows he can do and does them at the correct time) and with the power of Shaq(because of his strength, is unstoppable when he gets to his spots)

Comparing him to Kobe or Jordan makes no sense. He's not flexible like that, he plays different.

[buddha]

Yeah Lebron is totally the next Karl Malone
http://bossip.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/lebron-james-shirtless.png
He hasn't gained any weight, get ova it.

[bluechox2]

his headband has move up a good inch also

[buddha]

You took a bunch of Lebron pictures of when he was an 18 year old kid. By the time he was in his 20's he looked like he is now and has stayed the same.

[BBallZen83]

Karl Malone wrestled??

[DuMa]

Lebron's listed rookie weight at 240 was pretty generous. I bet when he was playing during midseason of his rookie year, he was 228 tops soaking wet. he was man sized out of high school but nothing like the 250 frame he is rolling with today.

and yes i think it would be beneficial to both their games in the long run if he and dwade lose some weight this offseason.

[PotOdds]

Dude, all i can remember back when he was in high school was how the announcers (Jay Bilas) were gushing what a MAN Lebron was. Talking about his physicality and being a man among boys. It was a little irritating.

Carmelo was pretty big himself. One of his advantages, even till today.


I wouldn't say he had a man's body in high school...

http://globalbasketball.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/LeBron-vs-Carmelo-hs.jpg

[NattyPButter]

You took a bunch of Lebron pictures of when he was an 18 year old kid. By the time he was in his 20's he looked like he is now and has stayed the same.

What? He has comparisons pics of him being 18 and pics from recent. It's also about time ppl started realizing Lebron doesn't way no freaking 260-275lbs.

[tomtucker]

yeah, but he also wears a much smaller and tighter jersey then back in the day...............wonder why he now loves that skintight shit.......

[buddha]

What? He has comparisons pics of him being 18 and pics from recent. It's also about time ppl started realizing Lebron doesn't way no freaking 260-275lbs.

Yeah he took pics of an 18 year old and put them next to a 28 year old. Of course he is going to look more muscular after weight training for 10 years. He probably grew too. My point tho is if you put 18 year old lebron next to 22 year old lebron you would get the same result. Then, if you put 22 year old lebron next to 28 year old lebron they look the same.

If you look at Lebron when he entered his 20's in Cleveland
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/002/791/369/hi-res-84098689_display_image.jpg
He looks the exact same as he does now. He didn't gain no weight.

[Bandito]

One of the reason he doesn't seems as athletic as he was in the Cavs days is because he became heavier in order to bulk up. Of course stans are so idiotic they don't see that.

@buddha: he became heavier as he became stronger. If you see him now his fat % should be near zero, while he looks pretty big due to developing a lot of muscle. Back then he had a little fat (not a lot) but he still did. It is actually a good thing in his favor as it should help with injuries. After I started working out my back pain disappeared completely.

[retaxis]

Lebron's lower body is much bigger then his lower body back in the day. His calves and thigh muscle size increases help him post up against his opponents along with his wider shoulders.

[retaxis]

:oldlol:
Kobe's afro is gone too its called the ageing process...:rolleyes:

[Shepseskaf]

I continue to think its interesting that the older LBJ gets, the more he looks like Nate Thurmond.

[arifgokcen]

@buddha @bmd

Why are people so blind.

Lebron himself said he weights more than 260+

Miami during summer camp reported him 266lbs.

Back in cleveland multiple teammates said he is the heaviest player on the roster including delonte west and you can find this quote.(before shaq came and big-z was around 260-265lbs)

I have repeatedly gave the souces of all these infos yet a lot of people is still claiming he is at most 250lbs.

Everything says he is definitely 260-265+.He came into the league at 240lbs

http://www.proverbsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Lebron-James-Rookie.jpg

Right now he is at least around 265lbs.


http://sports-kings.com/passthepill/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/lebron.jpg

JUST LOOK AT THE DIFFERENCE.If i can find a closer picture for his rookie season i will post that

[Leftimage]

I continue to think its interesting that the older LBJ gets, the more he looks like Nate Thurmond.

Are you poking at a ''Nate thurmond is Lebron's father'' conspiracy? :oldlol:

I'll agree with you, they do have a lot of physical similarities young and old.

http://www.bashof.org/images/inductees/Nate_Thurmond_1988.jpg

http://img.spokeo.com/public/900-600/nate_thurmond_1973_11_22.jpg

Both from Akron....

[retaxis]

steroids iz a hell of a drug:lol
You made like 30 posts about lebron in the last hour. You don't even need drugs you messed up for life already.

[HomieWeMajor]

damn he do look like lebron tho:lol
This guy is Lebron's father
http://www.miscupload.com/upload/862548065231034911762485.jpg

[arifgokcen]

You made like 30 posts about lebron in the last hour. You don't even need drugs you messed up for life already.

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

[Shepseskaf]

Are you poking at a ''Nate thurmond is Lebron's father'' conspiracy? :oldlol:

I'll agree with you, they do have a lot of physical similarities young and old.

Both from Akron....
Yes, I was alluding to that. There's another pic of Nate Thurmond with his hands on his hips that looks almost identical to Lebron in the same pose. Basically the same shoulder and chest shape, both losing their hair prematurely......

I'm not generally into conspiracy theories, but its too much to overlook the fact that Thurmond was from Akron, and was there at the time when Lebron was conceived. If Gloria James is loose now, imagine how she was back then.

We've seen over and over that the sons of pro players get those good genes and grow up to play in the league as well.

I haven't seen many pics of the man said to be Lebron's dad, but from what I can see there isn't as much of a resemblance as with Thurmond.

http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/history/legends/nate-thurmond/thurmond-top.jpg

http://img.allvoices.com/thumbs/image/609/480/94049758-lebron-james.jpg

[arifgokcen]

you a hating ass bitch all in my koolaid and dont knoe tha phucking flavor:banghead:
how are you not banned i dont understand.You would be ip banned anywhere else.You should thank mods or admin.

[retaxis]

you a hating ass bitch all in my koolaid and dont knoe tha phucking flavor:banghead:
Hey buddy you got mental issues and we all know that and you know that. Thats why you got no friends and even your family thinks your an anti social weirdo. Thats why you talk like a spastic while trolling on someone elses thread while calling them a 'hater'. Kid i told you already to find something meaningful and enjoyable to do in your life. i tried to help you out suggesting you find some interests, activities, hobbies perhaps even education or skills to help you find some social activities to enjoy or something you can be proud of. At the moment all you do is waste your life trying to annoy others on the internet....miserable existence boy

[retaxis]

man shut your fake pbs after school special ass up man, you must be talking about yourself sport, it will be ok, better days will come, keep hope alive delusional motherphucker, keep hope alive!!:lol
Too bad I have no more time today for you. Its sad when others don't take you seriously but who has the time to deal with you right? Kids like you been treated bad their whole life with no friends or loving family you become use to being hated right? Thats okay kiddo I know you inside out, Before I studied my masters I worked in mental health occupational therapy and dealt with adolescent kids like you day in day out. Tip for them was always 'hey buddy if you have low self confidence practice your social skills on the internet.' The monster I created :roll:

[STATUTORY]

This guy is Lebron's father
http://www.miscupload.com/upload/862548065231034911762485.jpg


:oldlol: :oldlol: so many candidates for Lebron's daddy, he should host a 1 hour ESPN special about it. The Conception

[retaxis]

stop dat lying, u dropped out of high school, still working tha fries at wendys:lol
Funnily enough in Australia Wendy's don't do fries.

My Masters in Health management and bachelors in occupational therapy says different. Sits nicely on my wall at work maybe i can show it to you when you grow up?

[chosen_wun]

Sophomore LeBron is still the best version physically of him imo. If you put the current LeBron's mind and muscle memory into that body then you get the GOAT.

You still have the bulk he has now except he'll be finishing with dunks at will.

[STATUTORY]

Sophomore LeBron is still the best version physically of him imo. If you put the current LeBron's mind and muscle memory into that body then you get the GOAT.

You still have the bulk he has now except he'll be finishing with dunks at will.

lol that's true for every player tho. If you gave Kobe's current mindset and muscle memory to 2003 Frobe the result would be amazing

as players age their physical attributes decline and they need to compensate with greater skills and better understanding of the cerebral elements of game. Their peak tends to be the years when they have developed the latter but still retain the former athleticism to carry everything out.

[retaxis]

Sophomore LeBron is still the best version physically of him imo. If you put the current LeBron's mind and muscle memory into that body then you get the GOAT.

You still have the bulk he has now except he'll be finishing with dunks at will.
If you got the frame, you use it. Young Lebron was not fit to play post 40 mins a game. He isn't a guard he is a forward. Maximise impact and potential thats what winners do.

[chosen_wun]

lol that's true for every player tho. If you gave Kobe's current mindset and muscle memory to 2003 Frobe the result would be amazing

as players age their physical attributes decline and they need to compensate with greater skills and better understanding of the cerebral elements of game. Their peak tends to be the years when they have developed the latter but still retain the former athleticism to carry everything out.That's true about Kobe. He wouldn't have to pump fake to compensate for lack of lift on his shots anymore. Plus with his 2003 athleticism he can actually earn his defense selection team awards.

[chosen_wun]

If you got the frame, you use it. Young Lebron was not fit to play post 40 mins a game. He isn't a guard he is a forward. Maximise impact and potential thats what winners do.Ever since 2005 he has always had the body to play in the post. That's why if you give 19-20 year old LeBron the muscle memory to know when to back down, spin-off, counter etc. depending on what his opponent does he would dominate back then as well.

His current muscle memory transferred to then also takes away the hitches and unnecessary fade aways in his form.

[arifgokcen]

Funnily enough in Australia Wendy's don't do fries.

My Masters in Health management and bachelors in occupational therapy says different. Sits nicely on my wall at work maybe i can show it to you when you grow up?
Dude just dont answer let him howl like the dog he is

[Greg Oden 50]

lebron has zero post moves

[retaxis]

Ever since 2005 he has always had the body to play in the post. That's why if you give 19-20 year old LeBron the muscle memory to know when to back down, spin-off, counter etc. depending on what his opponent does he would dominate back then as well.

His current muscle memory transferred to then also takes away the hitches and unnecessary fade aways in his form.
Your right about the explosiveness he had back then however you have to remember lebron rarely ever had any plays in the post. If he had that young body without the muscle he has now to play a post game. He is going to end up battered and smashed and injured because everytime he beats his man off the spin to do a layup, big guys going to go for him hard. Can't reply on a perimeter orientated body like lebron had back then to work in the post its too physical.

Arifgokcen i hear ya man:applause:

[retaxis]

To Further define my post Chosen Wun

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/0327/grant_r_AllLeBronShots.jpg
http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/0328/grant_i_LeBronLastYearCleveland.jpg
http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/0328/grant_i_LeBronFirstYearMiami.jpg
http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/0328/grant_i_LeBronSecondYearMiami.jpg
http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/0328/grant_i_LeBronThisYearMiami.jpg

[chosen_wun]

Your right about the explosiveness he had back then however you have to remember lebron rarely ever had any plays in the post. If he had that young body without the muscle he has now to play a post game. He is going to end up battered and smashed and injured because everytime he beats his man off the spin to do a layup, big guys going to go for him hard. Can't reply on a perimeter orientated body like lebron had back then to work in the post its too physical.

Arifgokcen i hear ya man:applause:
Fair enough.

[retaxis]

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/0327/grant_i_WhereIsLeBron.jpg

[retaxis]

I Forsee Lebrons game to change into a more Post up orientated game (Requiring bigger upper body strength)as he gets older with a sweet bank shot like Timmy (but better range). Triple threat 2 feet from the post left block is going to be his money. Further improving his spot up shooting and cutting will be fantastic. This will be around 33-37/38 years of age.

[ShaqAttack3234]

LeBron is not 265-270. That is like Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski weight. No way LeBron is thicker than they are. LeBron is in the 250's somewhere.

People really need to stop judging Lebron's weight based on what others look like(especially when simply going by listed weights in their cases.)

Lebron was officially weighed at 245 as a rookie, and has gained A LOT of weight since then. At least 20 pounds. He is in fact 265-270 and has been the last 5 or so seasons. I'm not pulling that number out randomly, pretty much every source has mentioned his weight in that range and it adds up when comparing him to how he looked as a 245 pound, 18 year old kid.

[retaxis]

People really need to stop judging Lebron's weight based on what others look like(especially when simply going by listed weights in their cases.)

Lebron was officially weighed at 245 as a rookie, and has gained A LOT of weight since then. At least 20 pounds. He is in fact 265-270 and has been the last 5 or so seasons. I'm not pulling that number out randomly, pretty much every source has mentioned his weight in that range and it adds up when comparing him to how he looked as a 245 pound, 18 year old kid.
If Lebron put on another 10 pounds and had a body like Malone's and the ferocity and toughness to even scare/hurt other players if they play tough with him. He is still going to be a beast. Sure he might get a statline like 22-10-7 If he becomes 270-280 pounds upper body built bigger and more post orientated

[thefatmiral]

http://blogimages.thescore.com/tbj/files/2011/10/shawn-kemp-fat-cavs.jpg

what lebron's physique will look like when he returns to the cavs.

[ILLsmak]

LeBron is not 265-270. That is like Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski weight. No way LeBron is thicker than they are. LeBron is in the 250's somewhere.

259 maybe. LeBron's core is really thick. His limbs are thick. It's definitely no stretch to imagine he weighs 265.

If he came in at 240 it's no stretch to imagine he put on 25 pounds.

-Smak

[retaxis]

Lebron will likely stay at Miami so that Micky will provide him a superb cast going into the future (next ten years) and a good lifestyle in Miami. If Wade takes a paycut and sixth man role in 3 so years time, Lebron takes a paycut and Bosh is traded for another star like kevin love etc Miami will keep rolling and Lebron can make his transitional play change well.

[ILLsmak]

If Lebron put on another 10 pounds and had a body like Malone's and the ferocity and toughness to even scare/hurt other players if they play tough with him. He is still going to be a beast. Sure he might get a statline like 22-10-7 If he becomes 270-280 pounds upper body built bigger and more post orientated

Double post. LeBron's body will never be like Malones. No reason for it to be, either.

-Smak

[ShaqAttack3234]

259 maybe. LeBron's core is really thick. His limbs are thick. It's definitely no stretch to imagine he weighs 265.

If he came in at 240 it's no stretch to imagine he put on 25 pounds.

-Smak

He was actually 245 at the 2003 pre-draft camp so the talk of him being 250 today is ridiculous. Kind of like when Shaq was still listed at 315 during the 3peat and everyone knew he was 340-350.

[ILLsmak]

He was actually 245 at the 2003 pre-draft camp so the talk of him being 250 today is ridiculous. Kind of like when Shaq was still listed at 315 during the 3peat and everyone knew he was 340-350.

Yeah and probably closer to 380+ near the end.

-Smak

[Pointguard]

On TV, Lebron doesn't look big to me. And I would say Artest looks bigger on TV. But when I was Lebron court side, I definitely saw his size. While you can't see his thighs, you know they are big. He actually looks powerful. And when he runs fast, I recall recalibrating what I saw.

Looking at the shot chart I always thought Lebron stayed away from shooting at the foul line and elbows. Its really rare to see a player avoid it like he does. When you are by yourself shooting the ball, you kind of naturally shoot from that spot because the ball doesn't go all over the place. I'm under the impression he rarely shot by himself.

[secund2nun]

It is better to rely on power more than speed and athleticism. Power remains into your late 30s and in some cases can actually increase like Malone. Speed and athleticism will decrease. I see Lebron relying on power yet still have overall good athleticism when he plays older.

[NBAller]

I'm still missing the point of this thread. Why did you make it?

[Burgz V2]

I wouldn't say he had a man's body in high school...

http://globalbasketball.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/LeBron-vs-Carmelo-hs.jpg

there are dudes in the league that dont even have that body

he weighed in at 240 as a rookie, that's exceptional for anybody with his skill set, let alone an 18 yr old

[Iceberg Slim]

his head is getting bigger too..which is a sign of HGH usage :roll: :lol

[eSOL]

his head is getting bigger too..which is a sign of HGH usage :roll: :lol


KD needs HGH the most in this league.

Dudes looking like a stick

[daj0264]

such a sexy body shame he is a choking failure

[Leftimage]

I think Lebron weighing more than he looks mostly has to do with his lower-body. Dude's ass is like a Tonka truck. It's not uncommon to find 270lbs linebackers or tight ends with physiques similar to his. (shorter guys too)

[eSOL]

such a sexy body shame he is a choking failure


Its a pity your mothers a choking failure too. Specially with that sexy ass body

[Hoopz2332]

lebron's early style was totally different when he was skinnier

[NumberSix]

HGH. Obvi.

[Bandito]

lebron's early style was totally different when he was skinnier
He had more flexibility because he didn't was so tight due to his muscles. But if he didn't work out the way he did he wouldn't be able to dominate as he does now. He sacrifice grace for domination. Not everybody can be MJ I guess...