LeBron James has consistently been one of the best players in the NBA for the better part of the last two decades. That’s no easy feat to achieve. However, season after season, LeBron just continues to defy expectations. LeBron continues to defy ‘father time’, maintaining an average of over 24 points per game well into his 21st NBA season.
Another player who started his NBA career in the early 2000s is former Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas. Recently, he made an appearance on Paul George’s podcast, Podcast P. During a conversation, Arenas described the special ability of LeBron which made him an all-time great. He said, “He was one of those players were smart, very smart. So smart that he plays to his strengths and never his weaknesses… He’s gonna play to his perfection, and that’s hard to do. You have to be consciously thinking about, like a Ben Simmons, I am not going to be suckered into shooting, just jump-shots, just to prove a point.”
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Gilbert Arenas isn’t the only player who has raved about LeBron’s exceptional basketball IQ. Opposing players on several occasions have recalled times when LeBron accurately predicted their offensive schemes even before they had the chance to execute them. This facet of his game has been a key factor in his success, making him one of the most sought-after players in the league at the ripe old age of 39.
Although LeBron has so far defied the impact of aging on his career, it’s inevitable that the effects of time will eventually catch up with him. Given the limited duration remaining in his career, can LeBron add to his tally of four NBA titles?
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Can LeBron lead the Lakers to the 2024 NBA title?
The Lakers started the 2023-24 season in a promising manner, winning the inaugural In-Season tournament in a comprehensive fashion. However, their form since then has been nothing short of abysmal. Their recent sub-par performances have relegated them to the 10th spot in the Western Conference standings, with 22 wins and 22 losses. They must promptly address glaring weaknesses within their roster if they still harbor dreams of winning the NBA title.
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Despite putting up All-Star caliber performances this season, LeBron has endured intense scrutiny from fans and analysts alike. With the trade deadline right around the corner, the Lakers hierarchy needs to act decisively in order to improve the current roster. A team consisting of the likes of LeBron and Anthony Davis shouldn’t be ruled out of contention. However, at the moment, a title victory for the Lakers looks extremely unlikely.
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