Am I the only one that is noticing Lebron's athletic decline ?

[nomoreneveragain]

I really don't think so. His defense will take a significant hit as soon as next season IMO.

Like I said, he's played more minutes than any player EVER at his age.

Heat play a slow stagnant style, put him in a run and gun system and he'll put up 25/10/10 in 32 Minutes

 

[iceberg_is_on_fire]

It's not just the minutes, is that they ask him to do everything. He averaged nearly 5 more minutes than everyone else on the Heat, lead the team in rebs a game, assists and points. If they simply asked him to do one thing like scoring, he's get 35 easy and he wouldn't be as tired. He's locking down wings and being all everybody on the offensive end. He's asked to do too much.

 

[dabestkeptsecret]

he's def not as explosive as he was on cleaveland in 2010. But its not that noticeable yet. He used to have a vicious first step, and used to get into the paint with absolute ease. Now its def not as easy. I think he either needs to lose a lot of weight to keep his speed. Or just keep his weight and make that transition to PF. I think after the cramp fiasco losing weight might be the best option. He might not be the strongest player on the floor, but he'd still be a lot stronger than most perimeter players.

 

[MoneyTron]

Heat play a slow stagnant style, put him in a run and gun system and he'll put up 25/10/10 in 32 Minutes

If you want to believe that, that's fine. Regardless of playing style, Bron is hitting the dark side of 30 soon and will eclipse 43,000 minutes next season. It will be interesting to watch...

 

[RedBull]

Really? He played in the finals 4 straight years and the Olympics.............he's not declining like that, he's TIRED.

 

[CoCKy GeNiuS]

he's def not as explosive as he was on cleaveland in 2010. But its not that noticeable yet. He used to have a vicious first step, and used to get into the paint with absolute ease. Now its def not as easy. I think he either needs to lose a lot of weight to keep his speed. Or just keep his weight and make that transition to PF. I think after the cramp fiasco losing weight might be the best option. He might not be the strongest player on the floor, but he'd still be a lot stronger than most perimeter players.

Bolded is why the thread was made, the first stepped has diminished a bit and the transition set up isn't anywhere near what it was....

 

[Big Boss]

Naw, I saw him chase someone down and swat the ball into the stands. I saw him driving, looking explosive etc. etc. I think sometimes he becomes hesitant instead of just going into beast mode.

Also, he's being run into the ground. Too many minutes for such a tremendous responsibility on that team.

This

 

[Big Boss]

Obviously you aren't gonna have the same burst and lift at 30 as you did at 18. He's prolly put on 20 lbs since he came into the league as well. All that said I'd say it's more so about wear and tear. There is a reason we haven't seen a team make it to 4 straight finals in over 20 years. Look at how the rest of those dudes were looking and they haven't even played as many minutes or had as much responsibility. He needs to have a defined role. Either drop weight and be a quasi-PG on the perimeter or be a full time big man. He can't be expected to be Mr. Everything anymore.

Yep that's why pop mirco manages his team minutes

 

[bl2k8]

This year was the most bounce LeBron had since 2010 Cleveland days to be honest. His first year in Miami he was way too heavy. Only thing that he doesn't have any more is his first step.

 

[MostReal]

This year was the most bounce LeBron had since 2010 Cleveland days to be honest. His first year in Miami he was way too heavy. Only thing that he doesn't have any more is his first step.

that's very important though, I really wish Bron would expand his game. If he doesn't trim down...that 1st step diminishing will be even more noticeable next year.

 

[FTBS]

that's very important though, I really wish Bron would expand his game. If he doesn't trim down...that 1st step diminishing will be even more noticeable next year.

What more do you want dude to do? He actually needs to do the exact opposite. He's not 25 anymore. He will be 30 for most of next season with 13 years of wear and tear (including playoffs on his body) and he's been asked to be the end all be all for his team on both ends for most of that time. Lets somebody else handle the ball and be a full time PF or lose weight and be Mr. Distributor and let somebody else carry the scoring/defending the best player on the other team load.

 

[Big Boss]

What more do you want dude to do? He actually needs to do the exact opposite. He's not 25 anymore. He will be 30 for most of next season with 13 years of wear and tear (including playoffs on his body) and he's been asked to be the end all be all for his team on both ends for most of that time. Lets somebody else handle the ball and be a full time PF or lose weight and be Mr. Distributor and let somebody else carry the scoring/defending the best player on the other team load.

And the olympics. he will probably play in the 2016 olympics too.

 

[NZA]

nope, i saw a man weighed down by carrying an entire team

 

[unit321]

No, you noticed LeBron overcompensating for a Dwyane Wade who literally doesn't even run on the basketball court anymore and a Chris Bosh who's gotten too comfortable being a role player

Hmm, you just called it out like a ratchet 'ho at Thanksgiving dinner for being a lazy no job 'ho who spends her money on nails and weaves.

 

[ManBearPig]

A player who is going for his 12th season in the NBA is losing athleticism?