How is LeBron James still dominating at 37!?

How has LeBron James been able to maintain such a high level of play for so long? This detailed film room study examines how LeBron has evolved and changed over the years, going back to his first 50-point game in 2005 in Cleveland, through his MVP years, the Heatles in Miami, his return to Cleveland to today in Los Angeles. What skills has he added and lost over time? How have changes in the league affected his impact? And how has moving to center helped him?
Support at Patreon: / thinkingbasketball
Book: www.amazon.com/Thinking-Baske...
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Website: www.backpicks.com
Twitter: @elgee35
Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.
Stats courtesy:
www.pbpstats.com @bballport
www.basketball-reference.com
stats.nba.com
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Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.
Music by Alter Ego (Lost)
#ThinkingBasketball

[@Alex-kd5xc]

I don’t think LeBron gets enough credit for transforming his game through the years and always adding more tools to his bag. He didn’t always have a jump shot like the one he has now. He used to rely almost entirely on athleticism, now he relies more on strength/positioning. He used to not have a post game, he developed that in Miami. This isn’t even taking into account his ability to pass. It’s rare to see someone with that kind of potential actually REACH it by constantly evolving as a player.

[@real_motherfuckerupper8817]

They hate em because they ds

[@maxh276]

For real, the change in his game is amazing to see. That's why people say he's had like 4-5 different primes lol

[@Alex-kd5xc]

@@maxh276 he really did. Except every subsequent “prime” version of LeBron has a more diverse skill set than the previous one even if his athleticism declines

[@Oppenheimer1967]

Mid range game ?

[@lik7953]

@@Alex-kd5xc I agree. His greatest asset is his ability to adapt. Even tho the league is completely different now, and his athleticism is worse, he can adapt to his situations. This is why no matter the era he played in, he would be great

[@hopoff9968]

I really like Bron at the 5, but I think the real magic is him at the 4, where his aging athleticism is less apparent as well as not being taxed so much on defense, as he struggles against true centers.

[@du2thurl42]

bron at the 5 is great for him scoring wise and playmaking but it makes the lakers already bad defense horrible and leaves them vulnerable in the glass it’s not really a winnimg formula

[@kingjaydex7464]

LeBron at the 5 isn’t sustainable for winning games

[@HomoErectus311]

Casual old head. LeGOAT makes Joel Embid look tiny.

[@woopityscoop2863]

Very true.

[@TheBronzeBomber38]

Yea the Lakers need AD back badly so Lebron can go back to the 4. They probably won’t make the playoffs

[@CM-nt3vh]

I like how you include plays that don’t always result in a basket. It reminds me that the game is not decided by highlights, but consistently doing the right thing.

[@Syncratci]

Insane how he's fine tuned his game as he's gotten older. From a physical freak to a guy that's just incredibly an skilled scorer and playmaker.

[@HomoErectus311]

He needs more help! Better shooter than KD. Better scorer than MJ. Stronger and taller than Shaq!

[@kpaukeaho6180]

@@HomoErectus311 who has ever made any of those claims? It’s telling when someone has to strawman the opposing belief in order to criticize it.

[@dollarize6412]

and no defense

[@dododump3144]

@@dollarize6412 He can be a good defender but he’s carrying the entire offense right now and he’s old so he doesn’t have enough energy to play elite on both ends

[@kpaukeaho6180]

@@dollarize6412 defense is a team effort. Most players aside from a Rudy Gobert type can’t single-handedly account for the defense of their team. That’s not to say that he can’t put forward more of an effort than he’s currently doing, but it is to say that if the team was better at defense as a whole I doubt we would be talking like this.

[@davidwhite3654]

I’ll never forget when Isiah Thomas said Magic Johnson would be a 5 in today’s NBA. The panel laughed at him. But watching Lebrun do it shows a good visual of what Zeke was trying to say!

[@lordpaulphilippfernandez9904]

He also played at 5 back when Kareem was injured in the finals, so I don't know why the panel's laughing at him. Hell, Jokic can also play at 1 because of how good his playmaking skills are, despite him being tall enough to be at 5.

[@primetimeab3216]

Magic was not as athlete of the versatile scorer LeBron is you dumb 🤦🏿‍♂️😂😂😂

[@abdullahahmed5272]

The reason they were laughing was because he magic couldn't play the 1 in today's game

[@TayG_9Deuce]

@@lordpaulphilippfernandez9904 they think he just a bitter man that hates Jordan

[@christiansamaroo]

I see why they 😆. I’m definitely playing magic at pg in any era.

[@soogasooga]

the ironic thing about Lebron and Russ being on the same team is that they are almost polar opposites when it comes to adjusting their games to maximize their strengths and minimize their weaknesses.

[@SI10379]

Well the similarities are that neither get the best out if their teammates

[@tiktokexposed898]

Lebrons makes his teammates better unlike Russ

[@SI10379]

@@tiktokexposed898 how come Lonzo,Ingram, Clarkson, Joe Harris all improved after leaving Lebron?

[@kbirdminegames]

@@SI10379 natural progression, more opportunities with the ball, more shots on worse teams. more points doesn’t always = improvement

[@PribumiNusantara45]

@@kbirdminegames finally someone that smart enough to mention it

[@Jeff_2x]

It’s CRAZY to see an athlete in any sport play at THIS high of a level in their 19th Season.

[@zoobiezaa]

ESPECIALLY basketball

[@HomoErectus311]

He’s LeGOAT for a reason which is why he can play 1-5. At 6’9 250, He makes 90’s big men like Shaq and Karl Malone look weak and small.

[@notnateblock6516]

@@HomoErectus311 idc who you are, lebron aint stronger than shaq and Malone, or david robinson for that matter

[@HomoErectus311]

@@notnateblock6516 Lebron was carrying fat Shaq when they were on the same team. He probably used to bully Shaq in the locker room lol

[@tahja]

@@HomoErectus311 ur trolling ain't no way ur this slow

[@balltalkdeep]

Lebron's adaptability is insane and witnessing the evolution of his game since 2003 has been a wonderful journey to watch

[@xordus]

I've never seen anything like it. People think he's still so good because he's LeBron and LeBron is just that good, but thats not the case. He has transformed his game every few years to maximize his assets and mitigate his deficiencies. He's a fucking savant if there's ever been one.

[@tj5180]

@@xordus it's crazy how people claim lebron is only good cuz of his athleticism lmao but don't look at the other aspects he has in his game also what he added this season like his passing and shooting.

[@SiNsCere1100]

I started watching basketball seriously when lebron was getting drafted, so it’s like I’ve been on this journey with him, through being unable to get able to beat Boston, to joining Dwade and bosh. It has truly been a blessing to witness his greatness!!! Truly a top 3 player of all time.

[@existentity3476]

I remember watching his highschool game when it was televised, then watching his first game with the cavs. In both of those games he hit a tough, long corner shot while spinning and fading to his left. I remember thinking then, "Okay, that shot isn't a fluke", but still wondering why he was "settling" for what seemed like bad shots. Now I realize, of course, that he was always setting the defense up to respect his outside game so that he could open up the floor for himself and his teammates. It's funny because he might be the greatest athlete to ever play basketball, but being an athlete isn't even his greatest strength.

[@chrismartinez9210]

Man this makes me realize how much I’m really going to miss him when he’s gone. You just don’t get to see players like him come around often

[@theprfesssor]

There has never been a player like LeBron before On top of that unfortunately, it's highly doubtful we will ever see another player like him in our lifetimes

[@starmorpheus]

@@theprfesssor You never know man. You never know. He is a generational talent, but a generation is only 20 or so years. We'll see.

[@chavy_chavs]

there’s never gonna be another lebron, but i believe luka and giannis will take good care of the league when he’s gone

[@bobross3880]

So enjoy it now? What’s with humans and thinking they’re guaranteed a future? You might die tomorrow, so just enjoy what’s available to you now

[@Don69Muk]

He will be a NBA coach after retire maybe 😂😂😂

[@cheflev9884]

What’s funny is that Lebron at “Center” is not a new thing. He has been doing this almost his whole career. He did this in Miami when their only true center was BirdMan Anderson and or Chris Bosh. Then he did the same thing with the Cavs the 2nd time. Remember lineups featuring Channing Frye at “center” who was just a stretch forward or K-love at “center”. They all played pick and pop and just spaced the floor. Playing Bron with 5 out lineups has been deadly, that’s the true common denominator. The only difference now is that Bron has to guard centers, which he can do effectively in limited minutes but not he whole game, especially at age 37. Still what he is doing is truly phenomenal!

[@fszron]

Karl Malone did that at 40. Bug deal.

[@crep4114]

@@fszron no he didn't

[@s1074007]

11:47 that is ridiculous at 37. I could still remember that crazy catch in 2010 when his shoulder was at the same level as the rim.

[@Oppenheimer1967]

Athletic specimen !

[@dusk6159]

The young Cavs and Heat days stuff was just alien material.

[@veracity5977]

Well he’s on the best PEDs you can get, that’s makes a huge difference

[@Infinityflow0]

Lebron's defense shines in a good team with a coherent system. He is still an incredible help defender when engaged with his ability to cut passing lanes, cover the weakside, and relay commands. The decline in his lateral agility would not be as significant since he would know where to shuttle defenders if he had a better defensive roster, ala 2020 lakers. Unfortunately given his offensive workload and his age, he conserves energy defensively which gives way for some terrible defensive lapses.

[@sosaraycharles358]

He was number 5 in defensive win shares jus last season, that’s crazy

[@tiktokexposed898]

Exactly. Pelinka ruined this roster. Lebron is still a elite help defender when surrounded by competent defenders

[@1vaultdweller]

What do you mean "unfortunately"? It's almost a miracle that a man can play at that level in his 19th season lol

[@tj5180]

And what about the times where lebron is standing their and just isn't focus on defense. Not saying it happens all the time but he has a habit of doing that

[@tiktokexposed898]

@@ClumsyRoot MJ took breaks frequently. He had to retire twice because he couldn't handle it. Lebrons has played 19 years straight

[@uzu444]

thought we saw all the best versions of Bron already but 37 year old Bron is INSANE

[@voltaire6062]

Funny to think people a decade ago were saying he would age poorly lol

[@davidmuller6011]

@@voltaire6062 remember the articles that were saying he would decline once he hit 30? lmao, it's crazy looking back at them now

[@HomoErectus311]

@@davidmuller6011 Most gifted athlete of all time. Very fast and makes centers like Shaq and Jokic look tiny at 6’9 250 lol.

[@abidurrahmannajib4092]

He's insane right now but we are right to say we've seen his best version

[@VVVY777]

He's not dominating anything. He's just putting up no-impact numbers on a bad team.

[@bojan0bad]

19 seasons, and still going strong. That's a lot of work, dedication and control. If not the best athlete this century. Created a bar to which others will compare to for decades.

[@dusk6159]

Definitely the greatest body of work for an athlete.

[@wpriddy]

@Dusk not even close. Wayne gretzky is the most dominant athlete that has ever played anything. Go read his Wikipedia entry. If you were writing a fictional story about the greatest athlete ever, you wouldn't go as far as his real life does.

[@siphillis]

How could anyone have predicted that LeBron would not only live up to the hype as one of the greatest players ever, but also as arguably the more durable and versatile too? All the other greats played their way until their body gave out. LeBron keeps reinventing himself to match his present athleticism. It's without equal.

[@existentity3476]

It actually reminds me a bit of Karl Malone. Young Karl Malone was quick and athletic enough to run a fast break and then bully people in the paint. As he got older, he added so much finesse, a fade away, jump shot, better passing, etc. Here's young (26?) Karl Malone: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4WaeIh3gMx-iJY Versus older (I think around 34 years old) Karl Malone: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWrEqausa6ukfNE However, once he reached LeBron's age his decline was obvious and he never figured out how to make up for it. LeBron seems to have built a strategy to stay ahead of father time because his statistics have improved in several ways despite his age.

[@fredrickmeredith513]

That alone makes him better than Jordan.

[@LurtzLurtz14]

LeBron transmitted from being assist league leader as native PG to one of the most lethal rim finishers as starting C in less than 2 years. That's some crazy shit right there

[@iversonsison8716]

💯

[@tariqpittman]

It’s impressive that LeBron can do this still but it’s very bittersweet seeing how bad the lakers team is from top to bottom. That also includes him in the faults of it as well.

[@jlui21]

- incredible athlete w/ now super-grown man strength, but thanks to leGM endorsing Westbrick, he can't win 'em all.

[@emmanuelmondesir1314]

If he wants to play the 5, he should study Jokic game. He can get the best of pieces that are to me less talented than what Lebron have around.

[@wallstreetzoomer]

He only has himself to blame for being a gm wannabe.

[@lubo1358]

@@emmanuelmondesir1314 Aaron Gordon and Will Barton would be the 3rd and 4th best player on the Lakers with AD playing.

[@jdelgado216]

@@emmanuelmondesir1314 Lakers have a lot of old and offensive minded players so making them play defense is almost impossible

[@wallaccefan5704]

"Even Luke Skywalker would be impressed with hitting a target that small." You know who would be even MORE impressed? Anakin Skywalker.

[@heimirpallragnarsson6436]

no not the younglings!!!!

[@pedromoreira2875]

@@heimirpallragnarsson6436 "Good Anakin. Good. Now, kill them."

[@henryviiifake8244]

Outta pocket 💀

[@shaft9000]

Mickey Mouse would be MORE impressed, tho

[@maxavierbenitez7013]

easily one of the best basketball channels on youtube

[@theasiancow1860]

My personal favorite for sure

[@jameslearing970]

The best imo

[@HomoErectus311]

Lebron is the GOAT. Stronger than Shaq. Better scorer than Jordan. Better shooter than KD. Better rebounder than Rodman !

[@wecanjump7512]

@@HomoErectus311 He’s not any of those things

[@HomoErectus311]

@@wecanjump7512 old head

[@gd-lockc7618]

You outline it perfectly. Bron was/is a physical beast, who’s knowledge of the game and dedication to his craft allows him to adapt to anything. Whether it be the league rules, his team structure, the nature of the game. An ever evolving symbiote

[@nonamewillbegiven1217]

No defense

[@ddawg284]

👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 beautifully said.

[@nonamewillbegiven1217]

@@ddawg284 nope

[@BryanHalda]

@@nonamewillbegiven1217 My exact thought while reading this comment. If all I ever watched were highlights of Lebron, I would think he was well evolved, too. Turns out he has a ton of weaknesses. Defense is the worst...His jumpshot is a close second.

[@willhooke]

Thank you Ben Would love a breakdown of his passing vs Johnson and Jokic What do they do the same, what do they do differently, etc Please consider 🙏

[@TheBronzeBomber38]

Facts. Embid is the best center in the league though

[@Fearthegoatee]

@@TheBronzeBomber38 nope probably not LOL

[@TJzWayyy]

@@TheBronzeBomber38 not better than Lebron at center or Jokic

[@goated.content]

@@TJzWayyy Bro didn't u just hear he has inflated stats at center and not good on defense so the Lakers are still losing his center minutes. Basically he gets his numbers is what's been a "bright" spot for them

[@HomoErectus311]

@@goated.content Lebron would bully Jokic. Way too big and strong for him

[@memoirmystery]

I have to say that my favorite about LeBron’s change in game, is his complete control of the tempo in each game, especially in the playoffs. Every game is played at his pace, and is a mastermind on dissecting defenses. Especially now that he has a much better jump shot. If his shot is on, it’s over

[@nmzhoops]

the advantages he creates at center are just insane to think about. i would’ve loved to see it more often earlier in his career where he could still change shots at the rim and had more of a motor. obviously somethings we know now weren’t readily available then but defenses would’ve been in a conundrum if he played next to a 7 footer who could space while he effectively ran point center.

[@Oppenheimer1967]

That Lakers interior defense though…..

[@du2thurl42]

lakers interior defense and rebounding is god awful tho

[@nmzhoops]

@@du2thurl42 yeah earlier in his career and a spacing 5 man who could defend the rim & rebound while spacing the floor would still help maintain these advantages without being as porous defensively. chris bosh would be perfect.

[@blackjacktrial]

@@nmzhoops and if you can't get that, maybe Kevin Love or Brook Lopez?

[@donquixotedoflamingo9037]

Lebum cant play 5.... why is vogel still enforcing this line up? LeTard cant figure that he is not a center, he accept it to justify his stat padding rebounds.... now he can just stand there and wait for the rebound.... he even got the box out but cant get the ball.... is that best freethrow shooter? And 5 TO just to jack up 3 assist? What a SHAMELESS FRAUD.... He is the sole reason why the opponent keep shooting on the paint... he cant guard inside to be a center, why cant your pirate eye see that? There is no defence... KOBE and JORDAN or any other player wil never NOT go back on defence and complain for the rest of possesion(That is how you use a double negative) Being a big BITCH by pretending he has a knee injury to have an excuse when losing, if you are injured then sit it out. It hurts the team more if you play. what an IQ. WHERE ARE THE PROUD BRONSEXUALS?

[@kyrolamelo1355]

The Evolution of Lebron is fascinating and all But the Evolution of your Thumbnails is freaking addicting

[@lukaslambs5780]

There has never been anyone like him. I’m just thankful I get to see him play, today is my 21st birthday and for as long as I can remember he has been dominating.

[@JudoMoniz]

Imagine what Prime Athletic LeBron would do to defenses today

[@Tonyoung55]

34 12 AND 12

[@HomoErectus311]

Lebron would average 50 in the 90’s, 40 in the early 2000’s, and 70 in the 60’s lol.

[@Tonyoung55]

@@HomoErectus311 lol did you watch the video with 2 bigs it’s harder for him to score/anyone in the 90’s game was slow paced any plenty bigs stop it

[@12gark]

If you wander how young LeBron would be today, you can look at a certain Greek guy playing in Milwaukee... But today's Lebron with his mid-20s athleticism I think would be putting out Wilt-like number easily even in a trash team like this one.

[@boonebeasley9622]

At least 40 if this was 2010 bron

[@gitamahur3504]

3:58 Karl Malone was a different breed man. Treating grown adults like 13 year olds on the court and treating 13 year olds like adults off the court.

[@Motofanable]

Hehe, good one.

[@VincentVincent_89]

Best longevity in NBA history and it’s not even close

[@stevena1467]

but not the best player though, longevity dont equal best player

[@VincentVincent_89]

@@stevena1467 well he’s the 2nd best player in history and easily a top 5 player this season and I would say he’s the best but his team is garbage

[@lik7953]

@@VincentVincent_89 I wouldn’t necessarily say his team is garbage. They have good players but it’s a terrible fit. Guys like THT, AD, and Westbrook would be significantly better had they had a better situation to fit their needs

[@jameslearing970]

@@stevena1467 Longevity doesn't all by itself but it's a factor.

[@johncarolina4950]

@@jameslearing970 Longevity reflects on your skill level. LeBron is peerless in that sense

[@LordAgyin]

You've got the best objective basketball content on KZbin, especially your player analyses. I'd like to see your analysis on Kyrie's game.

[@disizdNis]

Amazing how he's adapted after so much change in the game. From Paint game in the early 2000s, Perimeter in 2010s and THREEs in mid 2010 to present. Simply incredible, most athletes would be washed and confused how to play after so much change, but he adapted with his age and intellect.

[@nkwadirangata]

Brilliant work chief, this is top stuff. enjoyed the video

[@tdubs7794]

This vid about to do numbers numbers, great video as always man

[@JonnyLin7]

Please do a video analyzing Scottie Barnes! I feel he's such an interesting and unique player!!! He would be a very interesting player to do a deep dive on, as he's a polarizing prospect in the draft that was taken higher than expected, but he seems to be on trajectory closer to his ceiling than his floor. Or do an episode dedicated to going over some of the best / most interesting rookies this year.

[@mileshall9235]

1. Freak of nature. 2. Amazing bball IQ. 3. Constant discipline taking care of body. 4. Long term and very strategic PED program.

[@Underpantsniper]

That new cycle he's on is hitting good...

[@chillbruckets1955]

@@Underpantsniper Yes...but, mainly #4

[@goldvox1]

Fantastic video! Congrats.

[@TheFraziak]

Superb video once again!

[@mauit5036]

The Day Bron retires would be a different NBA every fan. Love him or hate him will miss him from the game. That’s coming from a Bulls fan

[@balltalkdeep]

Tom Brady's longevity is one thing but Lebron's longevity is on a whole other level and I respect the way both men have treated their career and sport very much

[@guhsuckyamudda586]

How is LeBron’s longevity “on a whole other level” than Brady’s?

[@Karlitoes.]

@@guhsuckyamudda586 Brady plays QB?? He plays the least physical position in football. LBJ is 6'9 260 and he is still faster and stronger than most people in the NBA(while being 37).

[@SI10379]

@@Karlitoes. Lebron is currently outside of the playoffs while playing with 4 other future HOF'ers

[@Karlitoes.]

@@SI10379 Yeah I also believe that the lakers will miss the playoffs or lose in the first round. It is not all on LBJ though. AD has only played 37 games this season, he is more fragile than glass. Carmelo is washed and plays no defense. Dwight is also washed and avgs 5 and 5 per game. I do not even have to say anything about Westbrook because I believe you already know. The lakers have no depth and their defense is atrocious. LBJ is the reason why they are not a 12th seed right now.

[@RandallBalls]

@@Karlitoes. How many times has LeBron been SMASHED by the NFLs biggest players. Basketball players endure FAR LESS contact. Some kickers have taken more hits than LBJ. You literally found THE ONE GUY more durable than LeBron, then said LeBron is more durable. Sorry pal, hold this L. Plus, Brady coming back AGAIN, and he's what, 6 years OLDER than LBJ? And Brady dominates a far more team oriented sport, which is unprecedented.... Basketball is ruled by stars, football is won by teams. Unless you're Tom

[@fhjunior6183]

Thanks for the vid

[@iversonsison8716]

Great content! Love it.

[@TheRulersBack18]

that pass at 2:38 is just wild, and of course his teammate can't finish it lmao

[@jamescaldwell4326]

It really should be a case study how Lebron has really improved every facet of his game throughout the years. I know people talk how he improved his shooting and his post game. But another part of his game that was improved was his Ball handling/Layup Finishing skills. Part of that has to do with playing with Kyrie. You can really see in some of Lebron’s layups and dribble moves he picked up from Kyrie.

[@lewisrodriguezespigares3325]

It's hard to make a better analysis than this. I enjoyed every second. Amazing :)

[@LatinoHeatWin]

Dude omg that last shot was afreakingmazing

[@SuperRacistBacon]

The true compliment to him at this point in his career would be JJJ, brook lopez or bubble AD effectively acting like a wing spacing the floor on offense while still holding down the paint.

[@TriforceRich]

Love the content as always! Could I make a request? I'd love to see a passer comparison between Jokic and LeBron. Who is the better passer today and all time in their theoretical "passing primes."

[@kennethopoku226]

It’s lebron he passes more elegantly

[@chaddad4046]

I’d say Jokic is the more creative passer but lebron has the best mastery over passing.

[@trevormaguire6520]

You can’t be serious

[@kidflickreviews308]

Great video!

[@kingdingaling2469]

I always watch until thee end , even the 11th time I watch these great videos and this will be another double digit watcher. ✌️ Xoxo 🤙

[@miniman2360]

Bron is like a real life cyborg

[@12gark]

I think that very few people realised how freaking deep LeBron bag is. I personally always been surprised by his physical gift (how many 37yo guys have you seen jumping like that? Or how many guys have you seen with a big man grabbing both arms finish the and-1s like that?) and his vision that I always underappreciate the amount fo craft he has. He can play any position, make every pass, and still have a full bag of trick moves, hard shot, head fake and so on to cook you if somehow he can't overpower, outrun or outjump you and all his teammates are just standing on the perimeter. This season is really putting everything on display for me. We will miss him we he retires.

[@bluecafe509]

Michael Jordan at 37 and Kobe at 37. You don't just start decomposing at that age you know. That's why the greats all go out on a high.

[@12gark]

@@bluecafe509 Kobe at 37 had 2 major injuries and was averaging 17ppg on 36% shooting. Jordan was retired, but was soon to come back to Wizards to average 22ppg on 41% shooting just to blow his knee and be out for half the season. Neither of the two was considered "athletic" for his position this late in his career. Bron was averaging 30ppg (and more rebound and assist then both combined) on 57% shooting. Try again.

[@bluecafe509]

@@12gark Michael Jordan on returning from his first retirement went on to win three more consecutive championships, before announcing his second retirement from the game in January 1999. He was now almost 37 years old. He returned to the NBA as part-owner and president of basketball operations for the Washington Wizards. Kobe retired on April 13, 2016, at the age of 37 and scoring 60 points against the Utah Jazz, in a game he came from behind and won by himself.

[@12gark]

@@bluecafe509 can you please open freaking Google and look to public data before commenting with complete bullshit? I mean, it's not this hard, you clearly have a couple of hands, a couple of eyes and an Internet connection, don't you? Jordan retired the second time in 1998. He was 35 (1998-1963=35). He came back in 2001 (38yo), and was nowhere close to "Micheal Jordan", and he stated that himself, he said he was coming back not win, but "for the love of the game". He was nowhere close to 30ppg, and nowhere close to his former self. And he broke down, after few months. He came back frome the injury, made few good games but had zero consistency (as it is normal for a 40yo guy coming from a major injury), argued with everyone on the team, sucked as a part owner (a trend we are still seeing now), and so he retired again. Kobe had 1 sixty point game. Yes. And SUCKED for two years in a row before that, he had no athleticism, his jumpshot, never great, regressed a lot, and his defense was gone. Watch some game, and see for yourself. He had few good games, but he wasn't a star level player anymore. So no, neither Jordan nor Kobe were as good as LeBron was at 37. And it's not even close. You can answer again, but my advice is to stop looking ridiculous. Anyway, that's your choice, I'll end up here.

[@sabbywins]

Wow, that clip at the end with Swirksy calling it was a blast from the past. He was brilliant. Another great video, Ben. It seems LeBron has just the right combination of size and speed to be able to slot up a position or two successfully and it makes me wonder if we'll other players trying this as they age. If so, I'm interested in how successful it will be given that they'll be lacking LeBron's physical gifts in one way or another.

[@vicentecampos2893]

Amazing work.

[@wwfchriswwf]

Easy answer. At 18 years old he had the biggest expectations, goat level aspirations. He had good folks around him who told him to take care of his body. Spends millions a year on his upkeep and care. His High ball IQ, generational athletic ability all he needed was a work ethic. And he has shown he has the skill and the work ethic to improve all of his basketball skills. Edit 1. His only knock was his jump shot, free throws, clutchness, tenacity. Edit 2 He bettered himself as best he could each year. Now I just wait for the year he shoots 90 at the line. I wholeheartedly believe Bron plays to 42 minimum as a starter. I expect All NBA 2nd team minimum at 40. I believe it's that easy for him. I coul see him off the bench/6thman till his mid 40s. Tom Brady of football levels of career length. Edit 3 I grew up in Indiana and moved to West Coast. He will never be my goat unless Jordan himself crowns him. And honestly after NBA 75, I could see MJ doing that at Brons HOF ceremony. Who else to induct him? Perfect moment.

[@batwingwe]

I whole hearty agree with you my friend

[@HomoErectus311]

Nobody can guard him 1 on 1. He would mop the floor with KD.

[@kingofthenoobs]

I know it's a meme, but MJ would never

[@TSierra]

I agree but what do you mean “clutchness” People never want to admit it/never give him credit but he’s one of the clutches players ever.

[@batwingwe]

@@HomoErectus311 I disagree

[@celinedurand6216]

Fantastic video based on facts. It''s amazing how some people doesn't understand his athleticism which has significantly declined by the way is not the best part of his game. His court vision is off the charts.

[@Gc7788m]

awesome vid!

[@ThinkingBasketball]

Thanks!

[@jedmars2691]

Excellent analysis bro.👏 👍

[@matthewhyman2208]

Bron has proven he can literally play ANY position, still be a top 3 player and there are still ppl who think he’s not top 2 😑

[@ImbetterthanDWade]

He’s not

[@bossg2817]

This could be Giannis' blueprint as he grew older.

[@peterjohnson346]

New Thinking Basketball vid? LETS GOOOOOOO

[@bulkmayonnaise96]

That very last clip with the and 1 is just greatness lol

[@MGPCycling]

This is what people have been saying for years. LeBron with a post game is nigh unguardable. But for whatever reason he has insisted on staying on the perimeter jacking up like 8x 3s a game despite him shooting on 36%. Point center should've been a LeBron invention 10 years ago

[@HomoErectus311]

He needs more help! Better shooter than KD. Better scorer than MJ. Stronger and taller than Shaq! He would beat all 3 of them easily in 1 on 1.

[@Fernando_616]

No heart

[@shaneyy__]

@@HomoErectus311 lol. You had me with the first two. Crazy how LeBron stans have made it so hard to detect trolls

[@bigwilly43729]

The video just explained why this isn’t a viable long term strategy. They get absolutely crushed on the boards & bigger centers can still punish him down low. He does probably shoot too many 3’s, but that’s also likely a product of them them trailing so often (and age).

[@kpaukeaho6180]

@@shaneyy__ projecting

[@thegreatkeljb]

Just imagine LeBron in 90's where illegal defense is a thing. LeBron without opposing center in the block, or virtually no help defense would be easy 40 a night. This change in league's rule is so underrated, whilst being a major reason of Michael's success.

[@trogdor8942]

There was almost always an opposing center on the block in the 90s since centers didn't come out of the paint like they do today. They got rid of that rule, but at the same time instituted defensive 3 seconds and banning hand checking, so it's hard to say which era is easier drive in. The defensive 3 second rule prevents a true zone because the opposing center can't lurk in the paint.

[@johngriller4997]

Just because illegal defense was a rule doesn’t mean they didn’t get away with it most of the time. Just watch old playoff games and you’ll see the paint crowded a ton with a bunch of bigs roaming just like players roam today. Illegal defense back then would be called less than 5 times a game. Just like LeBron is allowed to travel most of his drives when he picks up his pivot to gain a burst of speed, the illegal defense was allowed most of the time.

[@Khan-nq7lq]

Do you have a citation on that ?

[@trogdor8942]

@@Khan-nq7lq he doesn't because it's cap. They did make illegal defense a thing, but at the same time they instituted the defensive 3 second rule which makes it much harder for big men to help. Big men were always in the paint during the era he's talking about.

[@Thanosdidtherighthing]

Well…. Shaq , Kobe, Iverson.l, Duncan, Malone and Dominque Wilkins all played in the 90’s and they didn’t average anything remotely close to 40 so I’m just going to assume you’re a bronsexual lol

[@uncledrew4]

This is another reason why I say hes the GOAT the fact that Bron can break this all down even by hisself is amazing and play at a high level is crazy

[@joshuareynolds4559]

Great analysis, great channel

[@anubis4032]

He was good on defense earlier in the season he played with alot of energy

[@barca29np]

My goat, but even if you don't think so, definitely top 2. His biggest mistake recently has been how he helped to organise this horrible Lakers squad, but his on the court play is not at fault at all. Great video as always man.

[@stevena1467]

defo top 2 with a losing finals record?, dont think so

[@maxh276]

@@stevena1467 Wilt is top 5 with a losing record. Record doesn't matter, it's the play and consistent dominance. Go cry to your daddy Skip Brainless hater.

[@MattHawkesPurdy]

@@stevena1467 lmao you finals record dudes are delusional. In 4 or 5 out of his losses there was nothing any player ever could’ve done to win those series, so faulting him for it is insane. Btw MJ played 15 seasons and won 6 rings, so that’s also a losing record of 6-9.

[@toad7395]

@@stevena1467 why is a losing finals record your only argument though? MJ didn't make the finals in multiple seasons and he isn't even close to lebrons dominance at ages 35+

[@MGPCycling]

@@toad7395 Uh, MJ won MVP, All Star MVP, Finals MVP, First Team All Defense, First Team All NBA in his Age 35 season ......

[@goodworksworld1988]

Such good content.

[@JustGoodGames.]

Constantly impressed with this channel. Impressive work. Go Cavs.

[@austingreen1274]

This is so fascinating. Very well done. I'm surprised to see that he's been going to the rim more over the years. I figured he was pulling up for more jumpers as his explosiveness slowly declines. Good point about the lame being more clogged in years past.

[@shaft9000]

How? Not gonna sugar-coat because it is what it is: By playing zero defense. In fact it's called LOSING WHILE STAT-PADDING and not 'dominating' in any stretch of the word :/

[@Dinhhhz]

amazing video

[@tjaayy6]

Love this🙌🏾

[@jamespisano1164]

Cool info. I subbed. 30k, 10k, 10k... crazy!!! His career points created (assists + points scored) is so far above everyone else, it's insane. He will own most offensive categories when he retires. And he's had to play in MJ's shadow almost since his 2nd season. As it is today, it's difficult to talk about him without talking about MJ. I think he's been under enormous, unwarranted pressure for his career. He has one of the highest bball IQ's to ever play. He gets misquoted, and also burned by fans for the most untenable reasons. He can play/defend 1 - 5. I really don't believe in a GOAT, but if I had to choose, it would be Bron. He gets criticized for being big and muscling defenders around, he gets criticized for his health/longevity regiment, for passing rather than shooting, and for utterly inane things like "not putting the team on his back," or whatever. The GOAT comment he made years ago with Cleveland was taken a good bit out of context. He gets criticized for influencing personnel decisions when MJ and others have done the same thing. He's never had a HoF caliber coach. After the awesome 75th anniversary all star game, one ESPN idiot summed up the all star game thusly; he went right to Bron/MJ debte and said, "Bron missed his chance to take over the all star game in Cleveland (Bron made the winning shot), and MJ really won the weekend." I shit you not, that was almost verbatim the inane BS this ESPN analyst was spinning. I see a guy who doesn't catch many breaks from the media or fans. It's a wild phenomenon, made possible in part because of MJ being such a cultural phenomenon. Off the court he does stuff for the community and has never forgotten his friends from high school and has hired them for his non NBA endeavors. Here's one last thing, when he was a senior in high school, he was ostensibly already an NBA caliber player in skill and physique, yet he passed a lot, I believe (based on a documentary I watched), to keep his friends involved in the game. That's a cool dude. I think the guy is super impressive in so many ways, and can't think of an athlete more hated for inane/unjustifiable reasons than Bron. I just got into hoops and have really enjoyed learning about LBJ.

[@jamespisano1164]

@Dichang Feng Ok. I can't comment except to say at 6'9" and 220lbs, I'm surprised to hear he would be guarding a 5. That's not the frame for it. Bron has a hard time against some big 5s and he weighs 280lbs...

[@TheBronzeBomber38]

@@jamespisano1164 Lebron couldn’t guard 6’2 185 Lb Jason Terry lol

[@jamespisano1164]

@@TheBronzeBomber38 I don't know what situation you're referring to but EVERYONE gets beat and EVERYONE has tough matchups.

[@Oppenheimer1967]

@@jamespisano1164 Lebron weighs as much as Joel Embid ? Lol

[@jamespisano1164]

@@Oppenheimer1967 I don't know exactly what he is listed at now but he has been listed at 265. I mistakenly gave him an extra 20lbs..

[@akikoozeki3114]

Would be cool to see a Lebron and Magic comparison

[@eaglefan1124]

Watching young lebron highlights is a stunning sight. Reminds me why he was must watch TV.

[@pariiss1586]

I’ve been wanting this video for like 5 years lol

[@thekingof300]

I like how in most of these clips lebron is pitching dimes to his team mates and they're missing

[@TheTEN24]

This is an incredible watch and breakdown. He has slowed down but I can see him at the 4 now keeping him in the league dominating for a few more years to come. His jumper has gotten better as well. So impressive.

[@GunninRebel55]

It’s been a real joy watching this man’s 20 year journey from high school to now. Enjoy it like I have folks cause we’ll never see another LeBron.

[@trevormaguire6520]

Dominating is a very kind word

[@ryanvas6]

He is leading his team to a 29-40 record while healthy. He’s not “dominating”.

[@Oppenheimer1967]

Lol

[@poly_g6068]

Healthy is a big stretch.

[@bobbyd1632]

@@poly_g6068 ffs bro stop it with the "excuses when it suits him" let me guess he'll wrap his wife scarf around his wrist at the end of season and say but I basically played all year with a broken hand

[@poly_g6068]

@@bobbyd1632 Nah bro, these last two seasons are the most games he's missed his entire career. Don't think he's purposely missing out on the chance to pass Kareem.

[@bobbyd1632]

@Mike oh but he’s 37, last year it was “but he’s 36 and it’s year 18” rinse repeat excuses. His stats are empty, he plays selfish ball and us a terrible leader and he plays selfish defense call it for real

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

Really puts things into perspective that Karl Malone at 36 and 37 was a top 3 NBA Player at the time. Lebron is behind Giannis, Nikola, Embid, Durant (when he plays).

[@Anthonydu01630]

At 37, in 1999-2000, Karl Malone was averaging 25.5ppg on 58% TS, 9.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1 steal and 0.9 block. Lebron is averaging 30.3ppg on 61% TS, 8.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 block, so Lebron definitely has better stats, Karl Malone was still a beast, but he wasn’t better than Shaq, Kevin Garnett, Duncan, Kobe, Iverson, David Robinson and i probably forgot some more player, Karl was still Top 10, but Lebron is Top 5, i would only put Giannis, Jokic, Embiid and maybe Doncic over him, but it’s close. Im an unbiased Lebron fan and IMO he is the 4th best player in the league, according to the stats and eye test.

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

@@Anthonydu01630 it’s not fair to compare stats straight up though. You’re in a thread from a KZbin channel that discusses inflation adjustment. Karl Malone in 1999 was the 2nd best player in the league while Lebron this year was at best 4th best, probably 5th. Lebron is significantly behind Giannis, Jokic, and Embid. Malone was 2nd in PER, 2nd in Win shares, 2nd in win shares per 48, 2nd in box plus, a close 3rd in Value over replacement, Shaq was tops in all. So Malone in 1999 was indeed 2nd best while Lebron is way behind in all those categories. Lebron this year was 4th in PER (5pts behind 3rd!), 21 in Win shares, 22 in win share per 48, 5th in box plus min, 5 in VORP. I say that stats show Malone was clearly 2nd best in 1999 and Lebron is 5th best this year.

[@kaza818]

Finally, waited for this for a minute

[@jdelgado216]

1:55 tha burn on Russ though

[@dionysise5008]

Nice video. Imo peak LeBron was 2014-2016 cause he hadn't lost a step but at the same time he had already perfected that super smart offense where he controls everything in front of his view

[@ozzee5094]

how can that be his peak when 2015 lebron is one of the worst lebrons from the 2009 to 2018 stretch.

[@thomasdeguzman1149]

His jumpshot literally took a nose dive during those years.

[@jameslearing970]

I'd stretch that to 2018. He was insane that playoffs

[@HomoErectus311]

Heat Lebron is easily the best Lebron.

[@du2thurl42]

@@jameslearing970 it’s easily 2013 lebron

[@Tonio5100]

Love these videos with DEEP ANALYSIS & its VERY REFRESHING from listening to "the media" spew utter nonsense about LeBron positive & negative over the recent years

[@williammckay6273]

Coming back to this and your analysis makes it more clear why they would bring in Thomas Bryant who can space the floor at the 5 spot. LeBron was not finishing at the rim well enough with 2 bigs in the lineup but that should help.

[@dick_tree]

I'm very biased (parents still live in Akron, had a poster on my wall before the cavs even drafted him) but Lebron is the greatest athlete I've ever seen play live, and I feel so lucky to have been able to follow his career as I grew up. My GOAT no matter what anybody says.

[@JetEngine85]

I think it's because of his phenomenal defense at 37!! It's so inspiring to watch him play defense at that age..the Lakers right now is probably the second best defensive team in the NBA next to the Orlando magic..

[@teresa-oj9rq]

Lebrons defense is above league average Maybe the young kats on the team can play better defense or take over the jobs Lebron does for the team 🤔

[@mora2k]

Notice how subtle his approach was that there’s no mention about James playing less defense, shown by both his lack of movement (even comparable to that of centers) and very few boxouts per game (while he stands in the low box waiting for uncontested rebounds and sagging off matchups).

[@justinyan7938]

thats what your opinion is after watching this video? Damn son ure just sad

[@mora2k]

@@justinyan7938 No, it’s my opinion after watching James play during his whole career; looking at stats more meaningful than just basic ppg, rpg and apg; and actually reviewing film from the games to highlight what happens when he doesn’t put the effort.

[@justinyan7938]

@@mora2k bruh the nigga is a +1.2 in terms of defense when he was on the floor this year. This basically refutes anything u have to say dude good day

[@mora2k]

@@justinyan7938 Lmao, 1.2+ of what stat? Never mind the fact that they went from 1st in defensive rank to 23rd, while he had the lowest DWS and the second lowest DBPM of his Career, plus the other things I mentioned and the whole highlight videos of him not playing defense… Yikes…

[@justinyan7938]

@@mora2k ever heard of +/- mr stat expert? As in 1.2 points better. Have u ever considered that they dropped defensively cuz the entire team was different? If you’re comparing his defense now to his prime ofc he isnt what he once was. But saying he is a defensive liability is stupid. What other things did u exactly say cuz u didnt say anything🤣yeah sure continue go watch lowlights of a guy instead of the whole game to formulate your unbiased opinion. Great job dude

[@6aliph77]

Great analysis

[@moisesvallejo4095]

So nice!

[@mitchellg4834]

So basically what I’m hearing is that 25 year old lebron would do ungodly things to the rim if he played in today’s league

[@donela6730]

Absolutely, the floor is spaced and there's hardly any bigs to meet him at the rim.

[@henryviiifake8244]

He'd be like a slightly shorter Giannis with similar physical abilities... which is _terrifying._

[@mitchellg4834]

@@henryviiifake8244 a slightly shorter gianes who’s faster, a better passer and shooter, and more skilled

[@obi-nine1504]

@@mitchellg4834 and stronger, giannis struggles to back lebron down even now, prime lebrons strength would of been insane

[@TheDragontiger123]

@GG305 25 year old bron was his last season in cleveland in 2009. he was pretty much just run and dunk. giannis is a much better defender.

[@Nyfancam01]

Because he is the GOAT

[@frederickkabauteitu8781]

wow what a work!

[@MrAlvarez23]

This was a great breakdown

[@emmanuelmoses7249]

Could we get a video on the evolution of defenses and offenses, and the skill of today's players in comparisons to past generations?

[@HomoErectus311]

That would be great. Lebron is way too strong for 90’s players like Rodman, Karl Malone and Shaq. 6’9 250!

[@donela6730]

@@HomoErectus311 lol @ stronger than Shaq

[@henryviiifake8244]

@@HomoErectus311 He'd rival Rodman in terms of pure strength, but Shaq and Malone? Come on now, you had to pick two out of the _handful_ of players who would actually be stronger? 😅

[@trollkenobi6727]

@@HomoErectus311 He would've dunked on every single big man

[@HomoErectus311]

@@trollkenobi6727 Yup 👍. Lebron at 6’9 250 is much bigger and stronger than Anthony Mason, Kevin DuckWorth, Shaq, Arvydas Sabonis, and Karl Malone. That’s easy work for him to bully those gigs

[@sherlock4791]

With no context we will think the lakers is in top 5 from this video

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

Bro Ben, Clayton and Coach Nick have all dropped videos in the last few hours lesgo.

[@randomcat5262]

lebron really went from playing at pg to playing at center in 2 years all while beginning as an SF

[@pkmk3010]

He actually started at SG in his rookie year I'm just waiting to see who plays all 5 positions first giannis or lebron

[@kanishkgupta2604]

@@pkmk3010 Bron already has. He played SG his rookie year, PG two years ago, SF most of his career, PF in Miami, and C now

[@HomoErectus311]

@@kanishkgupta2604 It would be even easier for him to play big in the 90’s with weak bigs like Malone and Shaq. Skinny Mutumbo probably weighed 190 lbs LMAO