lebron has been a top 3 player in the league since his rookie year.

[Keno]

is this the goat longevity? top 3 player all time.

[feyki]

Huh ? :biggums:

[imdaman99]

Huh ? :biggums:

[bigkingsfan]

Top three Rookie, maybe.

[Dray n Klay]

Probably Top 3 since 2006, but thats still 10 years of being an elite superstar.






Which is 10 more years than what Kobe had :applause:

[ScalsFan21]

I love LeBron as much as anyone I know but I think Melo was ROTY. Sole year he was ever on par or superior.

[Keno]

Probably Top 3 since 2006, but thats still 10 years of being an elite superstar.






Which is 10 more years than what Kobe had :applause:

top 3 since rookie, top 2 since 2006 more like it tbh.

[SamuraiSWISH]

Top 3 since 2006 is more accurate.

[ShawkFactory]

Top 3 in 03-04? :lol

KG, Duncan, Kobe, shaq, tmac...don't really need to go on.

[Jacks3]

He wasn't a top 3 player until 2008. Delusional ass LeBrick stans. :oldlol:

[GrapeApe]

Lebron was obviously not a top 3 player in 2004 and 2005. He didn't even make the playoffs. I suppose 2006 and 2007 are arguable, but he probably wasn't a consensus top 3 player until 2008.

[NZStreetBaller]

So hes been third his entire career?? Not bad

[imnew09]

Top 3. Lmfao


Couldnt lead the USA for gold medal,
Blown 4-0 in the Final
Couldnt get past Celtics / Magics

Start colluding.

Pathetic

[FreezingTsmoove]

Nikka wasnt even the 2nd best rookie how the hell could he be a top 3 player :lol

Both Melo and Wade had way better rookie campaigns

[Nilocon165]

Nikka wasnt even the 2nd best rookie how the hell could he be a top 3 player :lol

Both Melo and Wade had way better rookie campaigns
Rookie of the year baby boy....

[FreezingTsmoove]

Rookie of the year baby boy....

Melo put up the same numbers and led his equally shit team to the playoffs

While Wade does what Wade always does.... Dominate in the postseason

[tmacattack33]

Top 3 since 2006...and Top 2 since 2008...Top 1 from 2009-2015 give or take 2 years out of those depending on what you value more...Top 2 this year, and still going strong

[NBAGOAT]

really nice longevity and he'll most likely improve on it but not even close to goat longevity. Kareem was top 5 in the league for like 16 years and that's underselling him since most of those years he was 1 or 2. Malone was top 5 arguably at 37 and top 10 at 38. Shaq's longevity is underrated and he's possibly top 5 for 13 years which is underselling him.

[Real14]

Melo put up the same numbers and led his equally shit team to the playoffs

While Wade does what Wade always does.... Dominate in the postseason
Ether!:applause:

[SamuraiSWISH]

He wasn't a top 3 player until 2008. Delusional ass LeBrick stans. :oldlol:
LeBron was top 3 in 2006 and 2007 ... You got to be kidding.

[Real14]

LeBron was top 3 in 2006 and 2007 ... You got to be kidding.
Dirk
Kobe
Nash

[feyki]

2004 - Not in top 20
2005 - Not in Top 10
2006 - Sixth , behind of Duncan,Wade,Dirk,Nash,Kobe
2007 - Third with tied Kobe , behind of Duncan and Nash
2008 - Third with tied KG , behind of CP3 and Kobe
2009 - Best
2010 - Third best after Kobe and Wade ( he choked , played with %31 in his last 3 games :confusedshrug: )
2011 - Fourth best , after Dirk,Wade and Howard ( choked again )
2012 - Best
2013 - Best
2014 - Best
2015 - Second best ( even arguably best for been better than Curry in the finals )

[SexSymbol]

I'd say he had an argument for top 3 in 07, never before that.
And he def wasn't top 3 in 11.
This year is arguable too, probably not top 3

[SexSymbol]

2004 - Not in top 20
2005 - Not in Top 10
2006 - Sixth , behind of Duncan,Wade,Dirk,Nash,Kobe
2007 - Third with tied Kobe , behind of Duncan and Nash
2008 - Third with tied KG , behind of CP3 and Kobe
2009 - Best
2010 - Third best after Kobe and Wade ( he choked , played with %31 in his last 3 games :confusedshrug: )
2011 - Fourth best , after Dirk,Wade and Howard ( choked again )
2012 - Best
2013 - Best
2014 - Best
2015 - Second best ( even arguably best for been better than Curry in the finals )
Laughable

[ImKobe]

wasn't top 3 until 2008

[NBAGOAT]

wasn't top 3 until 2008

just curious, who do you have above him in 06 and 07. I'm guessing some combo of Kobe, Wade, Dirk, Nash in 06 and Kobe, Duncan, Dirk, Nash in 07 but I'm thinking top 3 for both.

[Prime_Shaq]

I'd say he had an argument for top 3 in 07, never before that.
And he def wasn't top 3 in 11.
This year is arguable too, probably not top 3
I'm pretty sure he was Top 3 in 2011, he just dropped the ball in the Finals.

[feyki]

I'm pretty sure he was Top 3 in 2011, he just dropped the ball in the Finals.

And yet 4 turnovers a game. Let's say he can't shoot against Carlisle's zone defence .

Dirk and Wade were clearly better than him . I do think , Howard too. But debatable .

[ScalsFan21]

I'm not saying LeBron was the definitive best as early as 2007 (because he wasn't), but I think you'd be hard-pressed to replace '07 LeBeast with any active player at that time who gets out of the East. That fact by itself doesn't automatically make him > than say Kobe, but I don't think the Mamba takes that team to the Finals.

[stalkerforlife]

He wasn't even the real ROY.

The NBA gifted him that award over Melo.

[tmacattack33]

2004 - Not in top 20
2005 - Not in Top 10
2006 - Sixth , behind of Duncan,Wade,Dirk,Nash,Kobe
2007 - Third with tied Kobe , behind of Duncan and Nash
2008 - Third with tied KG , behind of CP3 and Kobe
2009 - Best
2010 - Third best after Kobe and Wade ( he choked , played with %31 in his last 3 games :confusedshrug: )
2011 - Fourth best , after Dirk,Wade and Howard ( choked again )
2012 - Best
2013 - Best
2014 - Best
2015 - Second best ( even arguably best for been better than Curry in the finals )

Okay great, so you highly value how someone does in their last playoff series. Which is kinda crazy, but sure, its your opinion.

Which means if you were to put this same list together for any other player, even legends, they might go from 2nd Best to 6th Best to 1st Best to 8th Best on your list....because everyone has had a few mediocre or bad last playoff series. Besides MJ really.

[feyki]

Okay great, so you highly value how someone does in their last playoff series. Which is kinda crazy, but sure, its your opinion.

Which means if you were to put this same list together for any other player, even legends, they might go from 2nd Best to 6th Best to 1st Best to 8th Best on your list....because everyone has had a few mediocre or bad last playoff series. Besides MJ really.

Not only last , all their series against great competition . If Lebron wasn't Pippen on defence against Bulls , i would rank him out of top 5 for 2011 . His finals was terrible , Also ; his Celtics series was not that good .

Of course , i don't rank players for their talent or what they are in their nature . Performances are guide of rankings .

[tmacattack33]

Not only last , all their series against great competition . If Lebron wasn't Pippen on defence against Bulls , i would rank him out of top 5 for 2011 . His finals was terrible , Also ; his Celtics series was not that good .

Of course , i don't rank players for their talent or what they are in their nature . Performances are guide of rankings .

Okay i see.

So yes, you value playoffs very highly.

So if you do this for other super-stars, their rankings likely won't look as good as Lebron's for you. Some won't even be close.

Like if you do Durant, he'll be bouncing in and out your top 3 by the year. Same for Wade, CP3, and Dirk (this guy was mostly a playoff underperformer before 2011). And even for everybody in the 90's besides MJ.

[ShawkFactory]

Laughable
Saying Lebron was the best player in 2009 certainly isn't laughable.

[feyki]

Okay i see.

So yes, you value playoffs very highly.

So if you do this for other super-stars, their rankings likely won't look as good as Lebron's for you.

Like if you do Durant, he'll be bouncing in and out your top 3 by the year. Same for Wade, CP3, and Dirk (this guy was mostly a playoff underperformer before 2011). And even for everybody in the 90's besides MJ.

Yes , he was clearly the most consistency player for last ten years .

Even , He could be fourth best player in basketball history ; after Bill,Kareem and MJ . But it's early to see that . Just prediction .

[SexSymbol]

Saying Lebron was the best player in 2009 certainly isn't laughable.
absolutely hilarious.
Ontry contrarians were saying that at the time as the VAST majority had Kobe being better even while he was the sort of villain of the NBA.
LeBron's first year as the best was 2012, don't try to rewrite history

[NBAGOAT]

Saying Lebron was the best player in 2009 certainly isn't laughable.

saying Lebron wasn't the best in 09 is laughable. I'm pretty sure there aren't ten more lopsided mvp races.

[SamuraiSWISH]

2004 - Top 20
2005 - Top 10
2006 - Top 3 (1. Kobe, 2. LeBron, 3. Wade)
2007 - Top 3 (1. Kobe, 2. Wade (pre injury) or Dirk, 3. LeBron)
2008 - Top 2 (1. Kobe, 2. LeBron)
2009 - Best (1. LeBron, 2. Wade, 3. Kobe)
2010 - Best (1. LeBron, 2. Kobe, 3. Wade)
2011 - Best (1. LeBron, 2. Wade, 3. Rose)
2012 - Best (1. LeBron, 2. Dwight, 3. Durant)
2013 - Best (1. LeBron, 2. Durant, 3. Westbrook)
2014 - Top 2 (1. Durant, 2. LeBron)
2015 - Top 3 (1. Anthony Davis, 2. LeBron, 3. Curry)
2016 - Top 2 (1. Curry, 2. LeBron)

[SexSymbol]

2004 - Top 20
2005 - Top 10
2006 - Top 3 (1. Kobe, 2. LeBron, 3. Wade)
2007 - Top 3 (1. Kobe, 2. Wade (pre injury) or Dirk, 3. LeBron)
2008 - Top 2 (1. Kobe, 2. LeBron)
2009 - Best (1. LeBron, 2. Wade, 3. Kobe)
2010 - Best (1. LeBron, 2. Kobe, 3. Wade)
2011 - Best (1. LeBron, 2. Wade, 3. Rose)
2012 - Best (1. LeBron, 2. Dwight, 3. Durant)
2013 - Best (1. LeBron, 2. Durant, 3. Westbrook)
2014 - Top 2 (1. Durant, 2. LeBron)
2015 - Top 3 (1. Anthony Davis, 2. LeBron, 3. Curry)
2016 - Top 2 (1. Curry, 2. LeBron)
Laughable

[game3524]

Bron stans have been on a meltdown since game 1.

[feyki]

2004 - Top 20
2005 - Top 10
2006 - Top 3 (1. Kobe, 2. LeBron, 3. Wade)
2007 - Top 3 (1. Kobe, 2. Wade (pre injury) or Dirk, 3. LeBron)
2008 - Top 2 (1. Kobe, 2. LeBron)
2009 - Best (1. LeBron, 2. Wade, 3. Kobe)
2010 - Best (1. LeBron, 2. Kobe, 3. Wade)
2011 - Best (1. LeBron, 2. Wade, 3. Rose)
2012 - Best (1. LeBron, 2. Dwight, 3. Durant)
2013 - Best (1. LeBron, 2. Durant, 3. Westbrook)
2014 - Top 2 (1. Durant, 2. LeBron)
2015 - Top 3 (1. Anthony Davis, 2. LeBron, 3. Curry)
2016 - Top 2 (1. Curry, 2. LeBron)

:wtf: :wtf:

[ShawkFactory]

absolutely hilarious.
Ontry contrarians were saying that at the time as the VAST majority had Kobe being better even while he was the sort of villain of the NBA.
LeBron's first year as the best was 2012, don't try to rewrite history
It was pretty split man.

[SamuraiSWISH]

:wtf: :wtf:
Dirk wasn't a top three player. Stop.

[game3524]

Dirk wasn't a top three player. Stop.

Also him having Duncan first in 2006 is nonsense.

[Bankaii]

Nah his 1st 2 seasons he was no where near top 3.
But in his 3rd season he averaged 31/7/7 on 48% and led a depleted team to a better record than Kobe's Lakers.

He's been top 3 since that season, or at least there's a clear argument.

And to those saying he wasn't top 3 in 2011:facepalm :oldlol:

[game3524]

2004-Not Top 20
2005-Top 10
2006-3rd(Kobe, Wade, Lebron)
2007-4th(Kobe, Dirk, Duncan, Lebron)
2008-2nd(Kobe, Lebron, Paul)
2009-1st(Lebron, Kobe, Wade)
2010-1st(Lebron, Kobe, Wade)
2011-1st(Lebron, Wade, Howard)
2012-1st(Lebron, Durant, Paul)
2013-1st(Lebron, Durant, Paul)
2014-2nd(Durant, Lebron, Paul)
2015-2nd(Curry, Lebron, Harden)
2016-3rd(Curry, Durant, Lebron)

[SexSymbol]

2004-Not Top 20
2005-Top 10
2006-3rd(Kobe, Wade, Lebron)
2007-4th(Kobe, Dirk, Duncan, Lebron)
2008-2nd(Kobe, Lebron, Paul)
2009-1st(Lebron, Kobe, Wade)
2010-1st(Lebron, Kobe, Wade)
2011-1st(Lebron, Wade, Howard)
2012-1st(Lebron, Durant, Paul)
2013-1st(Lebron, Durant, Paul)
2014-2nd(Durant, Lebron, Paul)
2015-2nd(Curry, Lebron, Harden)
2016-3rd(Curry, Durant, Lebron)
Laughable

[SamuraiSWISH]

Dirk has never been dimensional enough player to be better than any of the following: Nash, Paul, Harden, Curry, Durant, Westbrook, Dwight or 2011 Rose.

He was also CLEARLY never better than LeBron, Kobe, Wade, Duncan, or KG.

Just because he has a ridiculous MVP due to a very well built Maverick team around him winning 65 games, yet getting bounced in the first round, does not make him a top 3 player.

Neither does his 2011 playoff run, where he led his team over an exhausted Laker team, and a self destructed Heat team. Where Jason Terry, Jason Kidd, and Tyson Chandler felt like the most productive, or impactful players on the floor for large stretches.

I'm absolutely tired of this overrating of Dirk Nowitzki. He's great. Amazing shooter, and scorer. But he's about as one dimensional as it comes. Average at best rebounder for a 7 footer. Useless defensively. And wasn't a passer or playmaker to accompany his volume scoring.

Prior to 2011, we'd have to forget about his massive, all-time horrendous back to back choke jobs in the 2006 Finals, and the 2007 1st round. Where the 7 foot "MVP" was held in check by a decent 6'8 starting SF, Stephen Jackson.

My how people totally forget.

[Bankaii]

Dirk has never been dimensional enough player to be better than any of the following: Nash, Paul, Harden, Curry, Durant, Westbrook, Dwight or 2011 Rose.

He was also CLEARLY never better than LeBron, Kobe, Wade, Duncan, or KG.

Just because he has a ridiculous MVP due to a very well built Maverick team around him winning 65 games, yet getting bounced in the first round, does not make him a top 3 player.

Neither does his 2011 playoff run, where he led his team over an exhausted Laker team, and a self destructed Heat team. Where Jason Terry, Jason Kidd, and Tyson Chandler felt like the most productive, or impactful players on the floor for large stretches.

I'm absolutely tired of this overrating of Dirk Nowitzki. He's great. Amazing shooter, and scorer. But he's about as one dimensional as it comes. Average at best rebounder for a 7 footer. Useless defensively. And wasn't a passer or playmaker to accompany his volume scoring.

Prior to 2011, we'd have to forget about his massive, all-time horrendous back to back choke jobs in the 2006 Finals, and the 2007 1st round. Where the 7 foot "MVP" was held in check by a decent 6'8 starting SF, Stephen Jackson.

My how people totally forget.
Thank you.

There's a Dirk fan leaving Lebron out of the top 3 in 2011 due to the Finals, but completely excluding Dirk in 2007 in the FIRST round.

I can't stand the double standards with Dirk. Dude is completely excused for his shortcomings with exceptional teams.

[game3524]

Dirk has never been dimensional enough player to be better than any of the following: Nash, Paul, Harden, Curry, Durant, Westbrook, Dwight or 2011 Rose.

He was also CLEARLY never better than LeBron, Kobe, Wade, Duncan, or KG.

Just because he has a ridiculous MVP due to a very well built Maverick team around him winning 65 games, yet getting bounced in the first round, does not make him a top 3 player.

Neither does his 2011 playoff run, where he led his team over an exhausted Laker team, and a self destructed Heat team. Where Jason Terry, Jason Kidd, and Tyson Chandler felt like the most productive, or impactful players on the floor for large stretches.

I'm absolutely tired of this overrating of Dirk Nowitzki. He's great. Amazing shooter, and scorer. But he's about as one dimensional as it comes. Average at best rebounder for a 7 footer. Useless defensively. And wasn't a passer or playmaker to accompany his volume scoring.

Prior to 2011, we'd have to forget about his massive, all-time horrendous back to back choke jobs in the 2006 Finals, and the 2007 1st round. Where the 7 foot "MVP" was held in check by a decent 6'8 starting SF, Stephen Jackson.

My how people totally forget.

This.

Dirk is one of the few guys who were underrated prior to winning a championship, but has been overrated ever since. Great player, but he has never been seen as one of the top 3 players in the game outside of 2007(and that is even debatable).

[Magic 32]

2004-Not Top 20
2005-Top 10
2006-3rd(Kobe, Wade, Lebron)
2007-4th(Kobe, Dirk, Duncan, Lebron)
2008-2nd(Kobe, Lebron, Paul)
2009-1st(Lebron, Kobe, Wade)
2010-1st(Lebron, Kobe, Wade)
2011-1st(Lebron, Wade, Howard)
2012-1st(Lebron, Durant, Paul)
2013-1st(Lebron, Durant, Paul)
2014-2nd(Durant, Lebron, Paul)
2015-2nd(Curry, Lebron, Harden)
2016-3rd(Curry, Durant, Lebron)

Not bad.

I agree with the number 1 every year (although his number 1 spot in 2011 is about as tainted as it gets).

[game3524]

Not bad.

I agree with the number 1 every year (although his number 1 spot in 2011 is about as tainted as it gets).

Yeah, 2011 was a hard year for me as well. I gave it to Lebron by default due to what he did in 2009 and 2010. Honestly, it was a down year for the league in terms of star play(how else can we explaining a 22 year old winning the MVP.:oldlol:)

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

Uhhh, Dirk got absolutely shredded for his 2007 first round exit. From both the media AND fans.

:wtf:

Moreover, how was dude not at least a top 3 player in 2011 when he had the best playoff run of ALL superstars, capping it off with a finals MVP? Some of you need a f*cking ct scan.

[ArbitraryWater]

Dirk has never been dimensional enough player to be better than any of the following: Nash, Paul, Harden, Curry, Durant, Westbrook, Dwight or 2011 Rose.

He was also CLEARLY never better than LeBron, Kobe, Wade, Duncan, or KG.

Just because he has a ridiculous MVP due to a very well built Maverick team around him winning 65 games, yet getting bounced in the first round, does not make him a top 3 player.

Neither does his 2011 playoff run, where he led his team over an exhausted Laker team, and a self destructed Heat team. Where Jason Terry, Jason Kidd, and Tyson Chandler felt like the most productive, or impactful players on the floor for large stretches.

I'm absolutely tired of this overrating of Dirk Nowitzki. He's great. Amazing shooter, and scorer. But he's about as one dimensional as it comes. Average at best rebounder for a 7 footer. Useless defensively. And wasn't a passer or playmaker to accompany his volume scoring.

Prior to 2011, we'd have to forget about his massive, all-time horrendous back to back choke jobs in the 2006 Finals, and the 2007 1st round. Where the 7 foot "MVP" was held in check by a decent 6'8 starting SF, Stephen Jackson.

My how people totally forget.

what the FCK is this shit

[game3524]

Uhhh, Dirk got absolutely shredded for his 2007 first round exit. From both the media AND fans.

:wtf:

Moreover, how was dude not at least a top 3 player in 2011 when he had the best playoff run of ALL superstars, capping it off with a finals MVP? Some of you need a f*cking ct scan.

Dirk had a great post-season run in 2011, but there is no way he was better then Bron, Wade, and Howard over the course of the year IMO. At best Dirk was fourth or fifth(depending on how you feel about Durant, Kobe, and Rose).

[feyki]

http://f.ptcdn.info/912/017/000/1397758005-lebrondirk-o.jpg

For Alzheimer f.ggots ..

[Bankaii]

http://f.ptcdn.info/912/017/000/1397758005-lebrondirk-o.jpg

For Alzheimer f.ggots ..
So ONE series surpasses 82 games and 3 other rounds. I understand it's the Finals but that's just dumb logic.

Guess Dirk wasn't top 5 in 2007 because of his massive chokefest in the FIRST round against and 8th seed.

[warriorfan]

So ONE series surpasses 82 games and 3 other rounds. I understand it's the Finals but that's just dumb logic.

Guess Dirk wasn't top 5 in 2007 because of his massive chokefest in the FIRST round against and 8th seed.


LEBron was top 3 but with an *


*during regular season

[Bankaii]

LEBron was top 3 but with an *


*during regular season
The exact same thing could said a Steph Curry this year.

The only difference is Lebron was clearly top 3 in the first 3 rounds.

[Wade's Rings]

Yeah, 2011 was a hard year for me as well. I gave it to Lebron by default due to what he did in 2009 and 2010. Honestly, it was a down year for the league in terms of star play(how else can we explaining a 22 year old winning the MVP.:oldlol:)

Wade & Bron teaming up that year and being 1a/1b pretty much ruined their chances at winning MVP. Kobe had regressed from the previous year. Dirk was good in the regular season and plenty of people thought Howard should've been the MVP and he had a great case. Wasn't a down year at all.

If you're including the Playoffs why would Kobe be over Wade in '06? and Bron wasn't the best player in '11.

[sportjames23]

The exact same thing could said a Steph Curry this year.

The only difference is Lebron was clearly top 3 in the first 3 rounds.


There Lebron goes again not showing up in the fourth.

[SamuraiSWISH]

There Lebron goes again not showing up in the fourth.
Boom ... Full circle

[Bankaii]

There Lebron goes again not showing up in the fourth.
Meanwhile Jordan didn't up to the first, second, third, or forth before Pippen showed up...

[SamuraiSWISH]

Meanwhile Jordan didn't up to the first, second, third, or forth before Pippen showed up...
Lol right

[feyki]

So ONE series surpasses 82 games and 3 other rounds. I understand it's the Finals but that's just dumb logic.

Guess Dirk wasn't top 5 in 2007 because of his massive chokefest in the FIRST round against and 8th seed.

Dirk was better than Lebron in their conference series' .

But you're right on regular season :lol :lol .

And yet wasn't as bad as Lebron's :lol .

:cheers:

[sportjames23]

Meanwhile Jordan didn't up to the first, second, third, or forth before Pippen showed up...


LOL Bron stanleys always falling back in this weak shit. :oldlol:

[Kiddlovesnets]

Well hes been top player in the league for long time. Last year Curry surpassed him, dropping Lebron to 2nd best player. This year Kawhi Leonard surpassed him, and Lebron is the 3rd best player in NBA right now. If this trend continues, Lebron will fall out of top 3 next year. Scary.

[Stringer Bell]

Not his first couple of years. Anywhere from 9 to 11 consecutive seasons as a top 3 player. Very impressive, but not unprecedented.

Guys like Wilt, Russell, Kareem, Bird, Magic, etc... have had similar runs from 9 to 11 straight seasons.. I would say Jordan, but he had his retirement in 1993, and missed most of his 2nd season. He was still the best player in the NBA for 6 straight seasons, and then the next 3 full seasons he played.

Hell, Kareem was arguably the best player in the NBA for 10 straight seasons going by this guy's opinion.

http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/printthread.php?t=102569&pp=40

[riseagainst]

Well hes been top player in the league for long time. Last year Curry surpassed him, dropping Lebron to 2nd best player. This year Kawhi Leonard surpassed him, and Lebron is the 3rd best player in NBA right now. If this trend continues, Lebron will fall out of top 3 next year. Scary.


:roll:

[Gileraracer]

He wasn't even a top 3 player on his team his whole career