Lebron's season his worst since 06-07

[StrongLurk]

It's been a disappointing season for Lebron. I'm a big fan but this year he has visibly declined in box-score numbers, advanced stats and the eye test. This is the first year in a while that he isn't the obvious best player in the league (close last year with Durant).

He isn't the same player we saw in Miami efficiency wise, which is the most obvious thing to me. His field goal, 3 pointers and free throws have all substantially declined (TS% only 57% which is WAY lower than the Miami years) and his turnovers are the worst I've seen in his career.

The playoffs will be interesting, but I think the Cavs have an extremely low shot at winning the championship this year with an entire new team, lack of playoff experience from Love and Irving, and the fact that Lebron's game isn't at the level it normally is (also that Lebron will probably feel even more pressure playing with Cavs in the playoffs since leaving them). It wouldn't surprise me if they don't make the finals and lose to the Hawks in the ECF (this isn't a response to the game tonight, the Hawks are REALLY good).

Looks like it's another year of whoever comes out of the West will win the championship.

[SyRyanYang]

He had a bad start but was slowly getting back to his groove.
Yea he had a bad game today but you gotta give credit to the Hawks.

[J Shuttlesworth]

He had a bad game, but since the win streak, he's looked great overall. Peak Miami level? Not quite, but considering he's playing an entirely different role, he's looked great.

We weren't saying "he's declining" after dropping 40 on GSW, or after dropping 15 in the 4th against Toronto. I think it's an overreaction. He's still playing at an insanely high level despite having a bad game tonight.

[Joyner82reload]

https://usatftw.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/lebronkawhi.gif

[StrongLurk]

He had a bad start but was slowly getting back to his groove.
Yea he had a bad game today but you gotta give credit to the Hawks.

I did give the Hawks credit. But I feel like no one is really talking about how his efficiency is so much worse this year than in Miami. And his overall play is so up and down I think because of the insane amount of minutes he's played over his career.

Pretty sure I saw he's played more minutes than other stars who have been in the league like 5 or 6 more years than him. More than Bird and Magic probably too.

[Take Your Lumps]

https://i.imgur.com/zMhimnc.gif

[StrongLurk]

https://usatftw.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/lebronkawhi.gif

This made me laugh. But really doe, he won his second finals MVP in a row against the Spurs that year with legendary games 6 and 7. Can't hate on that.

[Joyner82reload]

This made me laugh. But really doe, he won his second finals MVP in a row against the Spurs that year with legendary games 6 and 7. Can't hate on that.

'Twas foreshadowing

[StrongLurk]

He had a bad game, but since the win streak, he's looked great overall. Peak Miami level? Not quite, but considering he's playing an entirely different role, he's looked great.

We weren't saying "he's declining" after dropping 40 on GSW, or after dropping 15 in the 4th against Toronto. I think it's an overreaction. He's still playing at an insanely high level despite having a bad game tonight.

I specifically said I'm not overreacting off of this game. Look at the entire season. Worst advanced metrics and basic box score numbers and efficiency since 2007. Career high in turnovers...

[RedBlackAttack]

Overreaction threads FTL.

Since Jan. 15, which is when the trade happened that transformed the team, the Cavs are 20-5 and LeBron is putting up 27+/7/6/2 on 49% shooting.

That's pretty damn good.

[rhowen4]

yeah at times he looks as fast as ever, and others he looks really slow. almost no in-between with him.

but that's kinda how he's looked for the last year or two. now the shots just aren't falling, and the passes become turnovers

[StrongLurk]

'Twas foreshadowing

I'd really enjoy a rematch between Lebron and Durant though in the finals. Would be the most exciting thing besides maybe the Warriors vs the Cavs. Also Westbrook and Love with the UCLA connection would be interesting (and the fact that Love somehow killed the Thunder when he was in Minny).

[ISHGoat]

Overreaction threads FTL.

Since Jan. 15, which is when the trade happened that transformed the team, the Cavs are 20-5 and LeBron is putting up 27+/7/6/2 on 49% shooting.

That's pretty damn good.

No doubt that is pretty amazing, but if lebron wants to go down as a top 5 goat he needs to do better than that and beat the Atlanta "Hawks"

[navy]

Lebron's role is different than it was in Miami. He's taking way too many threes and bad shots and it's hurting his efficiency, plus he's playmaking with brand new teammates who often dont think he's gonna pass it to them or have stone hands. His assist are noticeable higher than his Miami days, as are his turnovers so he doing too much playmaking.

I think the team will be better next year if they keep the pieces in tact. Lebron's numbers will also be better. Just like they continually rose in Miami. Of course soon his scoring ability will also decline so you have to look for the emergence of Irving to take more control of the offense.

[StrongLurk]

Overreaction threads FTL.

Since Jan. 15, which is when the trade happened that transformed the team, the Cavs are 20-5 and LeBron is putting up 27+/7/6/2 on 49% shooting.

That's pretty damn good.

How many turnovers per game in that stretch? Guaranteed over 5 per game. Also, what is your opinion on his massive numbers decrease? Advanced stats are worse too.

[Cali Syndicate]

Could be he's just tired.

2011 finals
2012 Olympics
2012 finals
2013 finals
2014 finals

He's a freak athlete but I'm sure this has to take a toll. This would explain the rests and coasting-like play. He's saving himself for the playoffs. What he does there will show where he really is.

But When he's engaged, he's still very explosive and plays like the best player in the world.

[T_L_P]

He had a bad game, but since the win streak, he's looked great overall. Peak Miami level? Not quite, but considering he's playing an entirely different role, he's looked great.

We weren't saying "he's declining" after dropping 40 on GSW, or after dropping 15 in the 4th against Toronto. I think it's an overreaction. He's still playing at an insanely high level despite having a bad game tonight.

http://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/kevin-garnett-reaction.gif

[Kingwillball]

Lebron has been way more perimeter oriented this year as well not posting up nearly as much and jacking more outside shots so that doesn't help. I expect him to post up more in playoffs I think he is saving that wrinkle for than.

[Hittin_Shots]

And Miami are 9th in the East.

[StrongLurk]

Lebron's role is different than it was in Miami. He's taking way too many threes and bad shots and it's hurting his efficiency, plus he's playmaking with brand new teammates who often dont think he's gonna pass it to them or have stone hands. His assist are noticeable higher than his Miami days, as are his turnovers so he doing too much playmaking.

I think the team will be better next year if they keep the pieces in tact. Lebron's numbers will also be better. Just like they continually rose in Miami. Of course soon his scoring ability will also decline so you have to look for the emergence of Irving to take more control of the offense.

I agree with a lot of this. It's just been ugly at times this season watching him play. It's like he lost all the discipline and methodical pace he played with in Miami, just chucks up a bunch of shots and makes wild and lazy passes all the time.

I do expect him to be better in the playoffs, but only a little better. He'll have to put up Jordan-like numbers if the Cavs are going to win.

[StrongLurk]

And Miami are 9th in the East.

Massive injuries have caused that

[StrongLurk]

http://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/kevin-garnett-reaction.gif

:lol I never tire seeing this gif

[RedBlackAttack]

I agree with a lot of this. It's just been ugly at times this season watching him play. It's like he lost all the discipline and methodical pace he played with in Miami, just chucks up a bunch of shots and makes wild and lazy passes all the time.

I do expect him to be better in the playoffs, but only a little better. He'll have to put up Jordan-like numbers if the Cavs are going to win.
The Cavs' chemistry is still a work in progress. You saw the same thing in Miami the first year. A lot of times, they played like a team that was just hastily thrown together.

And, that team didn't remake their team mid-season. Some of LeBron's turnovers just seem to be lazy at times, but other times it is just a chemistry thing... not having played together long.

I'm not worried about LeBron physically the way I was in the first couple months of the season. Back then, he did look like a shell of his former self. Since around January? To me, he has been the best individual player in the league from that point onward, much of the time by a fair margin.

And, that's on a team that is still finding its identity.

[StrongLurk]

What might be the most head scratching is his free throws. 71.5% in his 12th season? For a guy who might be the second best perimeter player of all time when he retires, that's pretty pathetic.

What is the explanation for that percentage drop?

[navy]

I agree with a lot of this. It's just been ugly at times this season watching him play. It's like he lost all the discipline and methodical pace he played with in Miami, just chucks up a bunch of shots and makes wild and lazy passes all the time.

I do expect him to be better in the playoffs, but only a little better. He'll have to put up Jordan-like numbers if the Cavs are going to win.

Meh, it's the Cavs first year. Like I said if they stay together they should be fine. David Blatt has to get better like Spolestra did. I think he often lets Lebron and Kyrie do whatever they want out there, especially when only one of them is one the court.

I never suspected the Cavs would be good enough year one to win it. Year 2 and Year 3 was always their time.

[navy]

What might be the most head scratching is his free throws. 71.5% in his 12th season? For a guy who might be the second best perimeter player of all time when he retires, that's pretty pathetic.

What is the explanation for that percentage drop?
He was at 80% in the playoffs last year. Nothing you can do about it.

[StrongLurk]

Meh, it's the Cavs first year. Like I said if they stay together they should be fine. David Blatt has to get better like Spolestra did. I think he often lets Lebron and Kyrie do whatever they want out there, especially when only one of them is one the court.

I never suspected the Cavs would be good enough year one to win it. Year 2 and Year 3 was always their time.

If K-Love leaves though...:(

[navy]

If K-Love leaves though...:(
Someone else will gladly take his place....

[RedBlackAttack]

If K-Love leaves though...:(
For all the people playing the "Love is going to leave" card... where is he going to go, out of curiosity?

The teams who will have cap room this offseason aren't exactly ideal locations for a player like Kevin Love entering his prime. It's not like he can just pick his spot.

Options are going to be very limited. And, while LeBron is getting older, there are still plenty of young guys on the roster for Love to grow with. Five years from now, Irving and Love could be the best one-two in the NBA depending on how things play out.

He'd be pretty stupid to leave and he'd almost have to return to a Minnesota-type situation just based on who would have the cap room to sign him.

[lilteapot]

No doubt that is pretty amazing, but if lebron wants to go down as a top 5 goat he needs to do better than that and beat the Atlanta "Hawks"
Why is Hawks in quotes. Lol

[StrongLurk]

For all the people playing the "Love is going to leave" card... where is he going to go, out of curiosity?

The teams who will have cap room this offseason aren't exactly ideal locations for a player like Kevin Love entering his prime. It's not like he can just pick his spot.

Options are going to be very limited. And, while LeBron is getting older, there are still plenty of young guys on the roster for Love to grow with. Five years from now, Irving and Love could be the best one-two in the NBA depending on how things play out.

He'd be pretty stupid to leave.

Don't think he is going to leave, but I feel like there is enough of a chance to be a little anxious about it.

[ThePhantomCreep]

Three pages, and no one has mentioned the 800lbs performance-enhancing elephant in the room?

[JebronLames]

And Miami are 9th in the East.
http://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/kevin-garnett-reaction.gif

[Round Mound]

It's been a disappointing season for Lebron. I'm a big fan but this year he has visibly declined in box-score numbers, advanced stats and the eye test. This is the first year in a while that he isn't the obvious best player in the league (close last year with Durant).

He isn't the same player we saw in Miami efficiency wise, which is the most obvious thing to me. His field goal, 3 pointers and free throws have all substantially declined (TS% only 57% which is WAY lower than the Miami years) and his turnovers are the worst I've seen in his career.

The playoffs will be interesting, but I think the Cavs have an extremely low shot at winning the championship this year with an entire new team, lack of playoff experience from Love and Irving, and the fact that Lebron's game isn't at the level it normally is (also that Lebron will probably feel even more pressure playing with Cavs in the playoffs since leaving them). It wouldn't surprise me if they don't make the finals and lose to the Hawks in the ECF (this isn't a response to the game tonight, the Hawks are REALLY good).

Looks like it's another year of whoever comes out of the West will win the championship.

Lebrons FG% drop-off

How it helps to play in a great team: with prime Wade and prime Bosh.

Makes me think what would Sir Charles FG% be had he played with those in his prime and their primes.

Still Lebron is the best player in the world IMO.

[ILLsmak]

https://i.imgur.com/zMhimnc.gif

haha.

-Smak

[pauk]

This definitely is not Lebron at his best no, especially not last night. :P