Has LeBron peaked?

[TheMan]

Or is he really "coasting" to conserve energy as some of his fans claim? Dude is only 29 but he does have a ton of mileage since he entered the league at 18 and he's had a heavy workload with deep playoffs runs the last 3 years. Is it possible that we may have already seen the best version of LeBron?

This doesn't mean he can't win anymore titles, mind you. Other past greats have won when they had already peaked, Tim Duncan was a poor coaching decision from leading his team to another chip just last year for example.

Has the baton already been passed from LBJ to KD as best player in the game?

What say you?

[CelticBaller]

He peaked years ago, he's definitely on the bad side of his physical prime

[aj1987]

I genuinely do believe that he's coasting. He doesn't even try to score anymore. Mostly looks to pass. As someone posted in another thread, dude played 4 seasons of basketball in 3, and that's not including international play.

That's a lot of basketball for anyone.

[fpliii]

I don't know if he's physically declining, but the dude's jumper is shot right now. No consistency at all, even though he finally has confidence in it. I have no clue how to fix it, maybe he needs to work on a new form with a coach?

LeBron really needs to post up more often when he's in situations where he can't drive and his jumper isn't falling.

[HoopsFanNumero1]

He peaked athletically a few years ago and has been declining since then. He stills has several years left to hone his skills so I'm not gonna say this is his absolute peak.

[CelticBaller]

I genuinely do believe that he's coasting. He doesn't even try to score anymore. Mostly looks to pass. As someone posted in another thread, dude played 4 seasons of basketball in 3, and that's not including international play.

That's a lot of basketball for anyone.
He should go to the nfl and play his favorite sport

[Milbuck]

I consider someone's peak the point where they are at their absolute best and can not get any better. By that definition I can't consider Lebron to have peaked because I think with some changes here and there, he could be better. Maybe not substantially better, but still better.

I think starting next season he should try experimenting with his game. Maybe become a full-time post up power forward on offense, or a full-time PG similar to Magic. He needs some consistency in his game. Trying to do everything for his team is oftentimes one of his weaknesses.

[Mass Debator]

Peaked last year.

[Bodhi]

He's obviously peaked, but he's still in his prime

And only 29 is kind of an odd statement. I'd say 90% of NBA players have their best season before 30

[aj1987]

He should go to the nfl and play his favorite sport
Don't even think he'd get selected. He would need football conditioning and training for an year at the last. By that time, he's gonna be almost 31. Even then, there's a possibility that he won't be selected by any team.

[TheMan]

So is KD the game's best player now? Again, doesn't mean KD is a lock to win it all this year, that's more of a team accomplishment but strictly as a player, is KD now top dog?

[CelticBaller]

Don't even think he'd get selected. He would need football conditioning and training for an year at the last. By that time, he's gonna be almost 31. Even then, there's a possibility that he won't be selected by any team.
This is LeBron James we're talking about, this guy is a monster and I doubt any team won't give him a try

[edrick]

Who knows, he goes through stretches like this every season. People are quick to say he peaked, but it always turned out he was just playing through an injury or something.

He did just score 61.

[chazzy]

I thought he was at his best in 09. Rarely had to question whether he was trying or not that year, always aggressive. Hyper athletic, jumper was good, consistent defense.

[GaryRaymond23]

I'd say yes. I honestly can't really see him getting any better than he already is. He will certainly pick up his level of play in the playoffs tho, he seems to be coasting now. He's probably just physically worn down after the past few years. He is a freak of nature but I mean, the stretch he's had since joining the Heat is absolutely absurd for anyone. He is declining athletically compared to his younger years but on the other hand he's matured insanely well and has gained confidence immensely.

[pauk]

Athletically, i think so, but he is more skilled & better than he ever was before. At this point in the regular season where Indiana will probably get that #1 seed and KD will win that MVP and he has a sore back + sprained ankle preparing for the playoffs (after 3 straight years of Finals) im sure he might coast and/or sit out games resting... when the playoffs start thats where he presses that ON button, same goes for Heat...

So i think that question is better answered after this playoff outcome.

[red1]

I thought he was at his best in 09. Rarely had to question whether he was trying or not that year, always aggressive. Hyper athletic, jumper was good, consistent defense.
Well said I agree 100%

[STATUTORY]

bran has visibly exited his prime right in front of our eyes, i called it a few games ago. it's plain to see. dude's laboring hard for layups

[cos88]

coasting sounds so bad because it's used by 1000 people on internet boards. he truly was conserving his energy for at least 15 days every month, which means basically half a season. by conseriving his energy i mean playing at 50-75% of what he can ( almost all games at home vs bobcats, pistons etc, all those games with 18-6-4 or something close )

[russwest0]

What kind of question is this? His peak was 2 years ago in the playoffs with the refs making sure you couldn't breathe on him.

[Clyde]

Who knows.

Maybe he changes teams and his roll changes.

He still has the skills to Shit all over the NBA.

[STATUTORY]

Who knows.

Maybe he changes teams and his roll changes.

He still has the skills to Shit all over the NBA.
bran's game is not built on skills, without his athleticism he's nothing but a black luke walton

[beastee]

The only thing he could possibly improve on his game would be his jumper...and adding a post move or two. He has completely avoided injury, so even though he has a lot of "miles", his ligaments are all in place - meaning he could extend the current prime he is in for another 2-3 years.

Physically though, he will not get better.

[Demitri98]

Yes. We saw his best last year, that was an underrated all time playoff run.

[T_L_P]

Obviously. How many players peak at 30+, especially ones who rely on athleticism?

[mr.big35]

his already in his peak.

[Clyde]

bran's game is not built on skills, without his athleticism he's nothing but a black luke walton

:roll:

a little harsh, but get what you're saying.

I should have said still athletic enough to Shit on the league....

...plus he'll always be big enough to just barge the lane like he use to.

[Nikola_]

Has there ever been a player who exited his prime after scoring career high?

[mans1ay3r]

He needs to take a year off and go play baseball. :lol I'd assume playing baseball would practically be a vacation to a basketball player. Sit in the dugout all game, run to a couple bases every now and then. And on top of that, all the bubblegum and sunflower seeds a man could want. :confusedshrug:

[DaOldLion]

nah he's been coasting the past few seasons and somehow someway because of his greatness was still able to get 2 rings and 2 MVPs, while also being at worse the 2nd best defender in the league during this time

[KyleKong]

If by "peak" you mean has had his best season already, then yes he has peaked. I don't think he will have a better season then in 2012-2013.

But he is not out of his prime by any means.