Why isn't LeBron James aging?

How has LeBron James fought off Father Time so well? How is in position to make his 20th consecutive All-NBA team? This detailed film breakdown & scouting report examines how the Lakers legend uses his mind, experience, size and incredible training regimen to off-set his physical decline.
Support at Patreon: / thinkingbasketball
Book: www.amazon.com/Thinking-Baske...
Podcast: player.fm/series/thinking-bas... or at www.stitcher.com/podcast/ben-...
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 AlterEgo (Lost)
#ThinkingBasketball

[@user-gk3uo5ev7n]

i really think lebron's memory is his secret super power, cause no way in hell i could remmeber every handshakes with every teammates he had 😩

[@GreenScreenBartender]

Seriously though, his memory is damn near photographic and like Good Will Hunting. There's tons of interviews of him recalling random plays from random regular season games from like a decade ago or more in the most granular detail. Or him remembering role players sets and tendencies that no one would rkeher or even care about unless youre matching up with him. It genuinely amazes me.

[@henryviiifake8244]

#Facts Combined with the scary stories other NBA players have said about LeBron's ability to correct the opposing team on their own rotations! 💀

[@replicaacliper]

but bro couldn't remember a single scene from the Godfather💀

[@Ometecuhtli]

Basketball savant

[@geordiejones5618]

That's always a good indication of high intelligence. Just the ability to retain the amount of information that LeBron seems to have in his head is something you can't just learn how to do. You got that or you don't.

[@playmaker011]

“Even though father time is undefeated, he’s at least lost a few rounds…” Perfect summary for one LeBron James’ career

[@raymondsims7042]

Agreed

[@juliusrandle2733]

​@raymondsims7042 🧢

[@iwishiwasthomasshelby]

LePEDs

[@EJS-jj8py]

​@@iwishiwasthomasshelbyLeHater

[@peewee0224]

@@iwishiwasthomasshelby source?

[@zergbong]

I am 39 in a decent shape. I can dunk, but after a dunk session I need at least a week for my knees to start functioning properly again. What this dude is doing is absolutely insane.

[@Tyweezy84]

Same age. I can’t dunk anymore lol i don’t even trick myself into thinking i still can 😂😂😂

[@albundy7623]

NBA 2023 doesn’t count

[@kl498]

It helps that he has access to the highest quality growth hormones/peptides/steroids to help him maintain his form. Any “normal” person (someone who doesn’t spend millions on their body) would be exactly like you. LeBron is superhuman physically don’t get me wrong, but I think a big chunk of his longevity is bought with a needle and isn’t just fortunate genetics

[@Hi-DefSports]

​@kl498 absolutely he is hitting a lot of help from the drugs

[@rockhaven4435]

@@kl498 NBA players are subject to year-round random testing for human growth hormones and steroids. Nice try, though.

[@stevenmcnabb9185]

As someone who doesn't know a lot about basketball but is interested in learning, I appreciate that you show highlights that best demonstrate the concepts that you're discussing, whether or not they actually result in the desired outcome (i.e., when a good read on offense doesn't result in a basket). I think it adds some authenticity to the instruction. I enjoy your videos, thank you for making them!

[@Fettclone1]

I've been watching on and off for over 30 years and still didn't understand the game like I thought I did. Ben's book goes even deeper into misleading perceptions most people have about the game.

[@carsonneal]

This is one of my favorite parts about the channel!

[@Windowlick_]

I feel like I've been saying to myself "LeBron will probably play 5ish more years and then call it quits" for a decade now. And it feels like he *still* could play 5 more years now.

[@geordiejones5618]

He could probably play 10 more years as a starter in the right situation

[@YoungSantasGroupie]

lol, but he sits out a ton of games. That’s not really a starter.

[@mordecaidrake]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaDVpaqpqrZ5bZosi=yaDQnqIZcFa0N91W

[@cyberbron2077]

@@YoungSantasGroupie that’s true but that’s expected. His age shows in playing back to backs and sustaining his level of play throughout a season. He paces himself a lot more now and takes games off. But in terms of just his play itself when he’s on the court, it’s like he hasn’t aged at all and we haven’t seen that before.

[@glabuser]

Lebron basically has said he’s only gonna play 2 more years after this year for his son and to win a championship hopefully with his son. Alot of teams also know that if they draft bronny lebron will sign with them (even on a pay cut) so it would make their team instant contenders if they already weren’t

[@lawbinson]

As amazing and as long a career as Vince Carter had, he was basically a 3 point shooter near the end. And that was also with out-of-this world athleticism.

[@WaveRider1989]

Not players lasted in sports for long time but to continuously be one of best is very few. Djokovic and Nadal is in similar position. But 35 is much different from 39 when it comes to stamina and athleticism

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

It's crazy how insanely athletic VC was and he still aged out way quicker than LeBron, guy can really still jump at 39 it's stupid.

[@moneyman4740]

Vince played till 2020 and was a role player pretty much after 09 or 10 , i would say 2010 meaning he was just a role player his last decade in the league

[@raymondsims7042]

@@moneyman4740truth!! He’s not even comparable to lebron James and honestly never really was. All due respect

[@lawbinson]

@@moneyman4740 there was a span of 5 or so years of transcendent greatness from Vince. He was supposed to be the next Jordan. I think it adds to my point rather than as a counter-point.

[@n00dle_king]

I've never heard anyone talk about a sport the way he does as if he was a Chess Grandmaster recalling obscure positions from decades past. Lebron is truly one of a kind to combine that with elite athleticism.

[@packerpf]

Odd comparison seeing as Chess requires defense and lebron doesn't play that.

[@rohw0016]

Yea where to flop next.

[@IndistreeHolla]

​@@packerpfCheckmate.

[@eg7167]

@@rohw0016 love the tears 🤣

[@CARBONHAWK1]

@@rohw0016Cope

[@khoado123]

Glad you mentioned his blocking strategy. I've been watching him for 21 years and everytime he does chase down blocks, he always go up with right arm fully extended but sill has his left arm up to ready for the reverse

[@livestronger925]

Rising up to block with your right but blocking with your left is athletically insane

[@otterinari2390]

His brain coordination and reflex to suddenly use his non-dominant hand is even more impressive than athleticism

[@cnelsonlv99]

True... only person I can remember seeing do that multiple times is Jordan.

[@tony1876]

The GOAT 🐐

[@richardseeley2248]

Or you blind or stupid. Athletically insane my ass

[@Irishmule169]

Yeah raising your hand is super hard …😂😂😂 give us a break and get off the flopping kings nuts !!

[@BayAreaHoops415]

Where I notice LeBrons age the most lately is for sure late games, by the 4th you can noticeably see him fatigued. He used to be able to play buzzer to buzzer no sweat

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

True, he is clearly slowing down but he is slowing from 300mph down to 200mph.

[@Motorata661]

I heard some people say that as he got Lebron learned not to push himself to the max all the time since 80% of his athleticism was still enough to dominate people.That allowed him to reserve his energy for the big moments and not get injured as much Now he is older and his athleticism declined he has to go at full speed more often wich would explain the fatigue

[@Dotsetc]

Yea this video kinda wrong. Anyone that watches full games would notice that he hasnt been that well offensively and honestly does so little on defense he becomes a liability for the Lakers. It's actually clear he's ageing so this must be a first time that I'mma say this, but not the best take by Thinking Bball.

[@BayAreaHoops415]

@@Dotsetc Nah I’d say his defense has been pretty good for LA all things considered. He starts the game great on defense and locks in when he has to, sometimes he doesn’t get back in transition tho late game which is expected with his age. Lakers offense will always struggle if they keep making rosters that are last in made 3 and 3 attempts. That roster can’t shoot a lick, makes it easy for defenses to slow down Bron and AD

[@Dotsetc]

@@BayAreaHoops415 Be honest my man, do you watch full games of the Lakers like full full games? Because I do and Lebron honestly barely plays defense. He's ball watching constantly, seems to cheat boxing out so he can leak out early for easy points and the worst of it that he constantly throws his hands up when the man he was supposed to guard scores insinuating his team didnt step up when in reality they are playing 5 against 4.5. As for offense he most of the times stands still(like Harden did) when he doesnt have the ball instead of setting screens for 3 point shooters or something which makes the Lakers way easier to defend. He also misses a lot contested shots and layups and still shoots the ball the most whereas Davis should. IMO he should take a big step back on offense so he can actually be pass first like he claims. Have people play off him like Jokic does finding cutters. That should also reserve him more so he can put more energy on d because its been abysmal for a lot games.

[@HiddenWen]

The guy on top of being one of the most gifted athletes to exist is also an incredibly disciplined person who takes 200% care of his body, spending millions each year on it.

[@user-lp4jq4gp6r]

Hmmm… spending millions a year on his body… sounds like somebody is juicing

[@huelerhuelin3334]

it's called HGH. That's why his head got so big earlier in his career

[@t4d0W]

I mean Lebron is a multi-million earner so why wouldn't he spend part of that to help improve his overall health as he deals with the wear and tear of the season? Meanwhile you got rookies who get their first millions as pros and their lack of discipline with fitness/nutrition/recovery shows. Forget them trying to hire an expensive trainer when they aren't even doing Bulgarian squats.

[@smoothoperator1862]

@@huelerhuelin3334biggest load of crap

[@jaymoney6233]

“Millions on his body” aka PEDs

[@DrBeauHightower]

I'll still never get over how fast athletic he was in his first ten years. It was insane I've never seen anyone that big strong and fast going to the rim

[@Chairsium]

20 years worth of experience in the NBA, about 2-3 eras of different playstyles, all in one of the greatest minds the game has ever seen, inside an absolute tank of a body. This dude giving Father Time a run for his money.

[@kennyg1358]

More like a travel for his money

[@shaftlamer]

Bronsexual much

[@eg7167]

@@kennyg1358 stay mad 🤣

[@kennyg1358]

@@eg7167 I'm not mad, I'm amused. The NBA is a circus, LeBron is one of the biggest 🤡

[@crimzon_x4441]

@@kennyg1358bros mad that Bron won at life 😂

[@CountFisco]

I think all the minutes he played in his career, from being an injury-free starter for 21 years and all those finals runs, makes his lack of regression even more impressive

[@gothbossbaby]

8 straight finals without any injury is insane

[@114D]

Injury free? Are you new to planet Earth? He’s missed tons of games to injury. Fun fact? He’s only played ONE 82 game season in his career. Where do these 🤡stats come from come from?

[@k1ng_vic18]

@@114Dyou must have only watched lakers Lebron because I can’t remember him being injured before that

[@WoodsOFF2023]

@@114Dsuspecting players 2 play 82 is wild . People stop sayin that shit 6 years ago😂

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

Why are people surprised when EVIDENCE Is clear people are playing well much later int their careers in almost all the sports. Use to be that great tennis players stopped being number 1 In their late 20’s or maybe make it to 30/31. In the past decade we have had numerous number one players men and women around 35 and older! Serena, Federer, Nadal, Djokovic. Football (American) had kid 40’s MVP (Brady) and Aaron Rodgers won 2 mvps in late 30’s. QB’s use to be done by mid 30’s and retired by 36-39.

[@lawrencesilva]

man... this page is something else, keep it up!

[@KelseyGriffin27]

Fantastic video! I always enjoy your content!

[@rt2121]

Great video. You should continue your series from a while back when you did the top 10 players from each season, it would be sick to see that for last season or even this season when it ends.

[@seansachs6105]

As far as I’m aware; it hasn’t stopped, it’s just that last year’s version was in podcast form. I really love the video art, though, so I wouldn’t mind seeing a comeback if possible.

[@pi_za8214]

Can you link the podcast, and also where can i find the rest of the podcasts?@@seansachs6105

[@dulogmaz]

Agreed. He has the perfect way of ranking players, giving objectively acceptable ranges where you can accept a player's ranking. Regular media should pick that up from him ngl

[@pvegamersvods6692]

just want to bump the post, because the art was awesome too lol.

[@zotanica]

I feel like you and Cody are just throwing in more jokes into the videos and pods and I'm loving it!

[@snoor28]

I love your channel. Thank you so much for your videos. Please keep up your amazing work!

[@steze]

That was incredible. Keep it up, G.

[@ElValuador]

Money, lucky genetics and untraceable designer drugs.

[@gamemeister27]

Everyone is on PEDs. LeBron is just a freak

[@davidfebreeze428]

Right … has nothing to do with the work he’s put in😂🤦‍♂️

[@goobyplz2438]

honestly, i dont care about money 99% of the time, save for that shit that makes the mega rich young. i vaguely knew a mega millionaire who got blood transfusions, and im sure alot of other stuff, he said he felt better than he thought possible

[@willhooke]

And a less physical NBA

[@gamemeister27]

@@davidfebreeze428 It's that plus everything else, let's be real

[@tonytooshort]

The way Jalen Green side stepped up outta there was despicable lmao

[@nunyabusiness7927]

That could be why players are playing longer now. There's not nearly as much contact as there used to be, and "load management" is a new concept. Also, LeBron is using performance enhancing drugs.

[@adriannn124]

another great video Keep it up

[@kaillerasrv]

straight to the point, nice video, thank you

[@ryuujinusa]

Would kill to see a Lebron book on diet and fitness in the future. Yes, I know a lot of it is genetics and simple hard work, but there’s gotta be some more us plebs can learn from him

[@uuh4yj43]

youre going to be so disappointed, its gonna be tb12 2.0.

[@WaveRider1989]

Diet is all cooked from cheif, who gets paid 200k with multiple assistance. A normal person won't be able to duplicate that.

[@producedbyfieri]

tbh i think most of the diet stuff is already well known and available to the public. i think it just mostly comes down to freak genetics and insane discipline

[@rogueDukakis]

only 15-30% of how you age has to do with genetics. Obviously genetically speaking LeBron is gifted athletically etc but I can guarantee you that training and diet is what mostly contributes to his longevity.

[@producedbyfieri]

@@rogueDukakis idk about that number but thats besides the point. my point is that the specific diet and training routine isnt really a secret - the info on what to eat and how to train is already well known. the hard part is discipline.

[@gllizzzy]

Really interesting. I went fairly deep into the chess world last year and part of what makes LeBron great is very similar to what makes top chess players like Magnus, Hikaru, and Kasparov. Their knowledge of the game, reading and anticipating positions, knowing their opponents, and ability to recall specific winning moves from a chess game played in 1973 all contribute to their mastery.

[@Brand00d]

Exactly. Lebron effectively controls other players, because he knows what they are going to do before they know what they are going to do. He knows players better than they know themselves.

[@sholovesholove4620]

This is why most people who watch lebron, don't think he's doing anything. They think basketball is checkers. But the great coaches are actually playing chess, when theyre coaching. Basketball gets boring if it's just about 'you score, then I score on you', 'you dunk, then I dunk on you'. People don't understand players that think. So it looks foreign. Players like lebron, rajon rondo, Jason kidd etc, play the coaches. Theyre not playing the players. Lebron had athletically been the best player for 14 years straight. That was boring. If it was only about winning, he would have stayed in Miami. The game is still too lebron because he's playing the coaches, while other players are just playing the opposing players

[@t4d0W]

That is pretty much veteran saavy done right. Even Brian Scalabrine noted that in his career as he got older, the only way he could stay on the floor was reading the game faster than his opponents who were more athletic. In Lebron's case his athleticism/size is still better than the average player but not only is he staying on the floor with his mind but is making huge impact swings on games with his overall court vision that works on both ends of the floor. Its like stories of Larry Legend tracking the play and knowing when to pounce at the very end to make a key stop or steal.

[@tony1876]

The GOAT 🐐

[@carlsab2067]

Wow! you know his plays every game.. nice elaboration to each plays he made. salute sir!

[@onaaamkonaaamk2394]

He’s the greatest North American sports athlete of all time. I was lucky to grow up watching him. We all were. Thank you for everything 🐐

[@whobitmyname]

The fact that you grew up watching LeBron tells me you weren't born when MJ played. And yet you consider yourself to be in a position to say things like "greatest athlete of all time." That's like if I was born in 2005 and said that Superbad was the greatest movie ever made.

[@camctrail]

When his career finally ends in 2056, I'm happy that I'll be able to say that I properly appreciated a Mount Rushmore basketball player for as long as I got to see him play

[@GreenEnvy.]

You appreciate a steroid user. Sit your ass down.

[@mikeisms]

I cannot wait for this same video from you in five years, where you only have to make a few tweaks to note a few more things he's since added to his bag.

[@stuffbenlikes]

"Look how LeBron uses his walker to create space on this play."

[@4dlvnn]

@@stuffbenlikes lmaooo, this made me laugh out loud

[@benjamink7105]

I'll be back in 5 years for the PED disclaimer tacked onto the end.

[@verbzfromnyc3377]

Great analysis. Love the content. Can you do something about the Knicks? …maybe touching upon what they are doing well, could do better, etc…(disclaimer: I’m not a Knick fan but think they are playing really well right now).

[@gerwique3146]

my 2nd video watched by this channel. Subscribed.

[@yerrtishsart6864]

Always love your analyst style videos (& podcasts, hi cody!)

[@istiahmad3365]

@@JKing-bh5hk its 4.50 usd lol

[@mightymochi6320]

What he’s doing is incredible, but you can see his age catching up to him reflected by how tired he gets now as well as his uneven effort on defense.

[@Inari_Cloud]

Facts

[@keepscrolling6042]

@@Inari_Cloud he is close to 40. He shouldn't be playing D until the playoffs, there are 4 other bums that should be defending while in his presence.

[@Los_Jefe]

​@@keepscrolling6042 they won't make the playoffs playing 4v5 and letting him add on useless points to his resume

[@symptomofsouls]

@@keepscrolling6042 If you can't contribute on defense you shouldn't be playing

[@bobbyhogo2342]

@@keepscrolling6042 sports leagues dont have honorable positions. If you're in the league you're expected to play like it. If he can't then that's evidence that he's slowly aging out. I say this as lakers fan, or perhaps because of it

[@joshelliott6873]

For all his god given ability, his consistency and hard work put in are also unmatched by anyone

[@rayneozier]

Dropping this video right before that dunk on PG was great timing.

[@qwuzzy]

7:02 I feel like this play was glossed over in your video, virtually fooled all 3 defenders in the midzone

[@peterb.68]

fantastic video, as always. I consider myself so lucky tohave been able to watch lebron throughout his entire career. a one of one athlete. not even just basketball player, but general athlete. no one is comparable as far as his unique combination of mental acuity, athleticism, and longevity.

[@cjefferson3]

Omg thinking basketball please oh please make a video about my favorite player andre miller. Averaged 16 from 1999 to 2010 and would feast in todays game as a post scoring playmaker. Humble hard working guy and i feel like todays game wouldve given him a larger profile

[@rhyshill2132]

Great vid ! Are you guys going to be collaborating with Sports Business Classrooms again ?

[@NBAFactsSelfResearched]

Barry Bonds was awesome in his early 40s. Hit 28 home runs at age 42. Think of any common denominator there?

[@gangstaxu]

I’m gonna miss LeBron when he retires, probably a lot of people will miss him even the ones that complain about him.

[@Jerrynyc424]

I won’t you need to start making babies.. give women a try and stop 😘🥰👱🏿‍♂️

[@kennyg1358]

He can't go away fast enough

[@thedudeunchained7583]

i can´t wait till he´s gone...just because I want the focus on the actually best players and his game is ugly AF with only offensive fouls in his bag that never get called.

[@Jerrynyc424]

Why don’t you find him? Seems like you have a deep emotional connection with him ? 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨 I won’t miss him at all

[@vulcanraven9701]

I don't miss him. He has overstayed his welcome.

[@Jamiree7]

you're very good at explaining the play reads

[@HoopLists]

I love these analysis. I now appreciate his greatness even more!

[@timpeaux3023]

You forgot the undenied PED usage 🤷‍♂

[@ImTheGibby]

I can’t wait to see what Bron does after he decides to hang the shoes up. I wanna see him as a coach, gm or president of basketball operations

[@tompriestner9007]

Think he's too big for any of those jobs. Probably an owner at least.

[@michael_hutchie]

I can see him coaching, it’s not unheard of for great players to coach (Kidd, bird ect)

[@tigwu]

Please no.

[@richborn6700]

He already basically does the first two for the last decade

[@t4d0W]

I mean he has invested in businesses and helped managed his media company when he arrived in Los Angeles. He'll find success with operations/management for basketball in some form of way since he's already doing it in the business world.

[@nassau3468]

Very well made video.

[@HoopsAficionado]

Cutting to Bronny on the father time line was a nice touch. Excellent video as usual.

[@kenobibryant1637]

When he first came into the league I didn't think he would last long because of his gait. I thought he would be injury prone. He looks like Fred Flintstone when he walks. But he proved me wrong

[@landongibbs8678]

The way that he can rattle off the sequence of events in games is reminiscent of how high level chess players can recall series of moves in famous games it’s crazy how savants’ minds work

[@ratneshbhandari5130]

Great video 👍

[@erinofsteel]

Great vid

[@TPD45]

Chael Sonnen already told us

[@Banned4Life]

The real mystery is how most people think that a rare few players are on some type of "help". Depending on the sport, the vast majority of top athletes are on something. Maybe not something as obvious as HGH, but they're in use.

[@donnie876]

Can you do a video on prime tmac or Paul pierce please. There aren’t that many videos on these guys on the court impact.

[@Enyalus87]

I'm coming from your Offensive Legends AI video and watching the clips there vs watching Laker Lebron clips in this video it is amazing at how much more space players today have and how much more standing around happens. The defensive quality is not even in the same league.

[@ball4life27]

Love your videos, can you make a video of how lebron can guard 1-5 on defense throughout his career?

[@pushthebutton8723]

UFC legend chael sonnen can tell you

[@rimimimimimimimim4170]

Honestly the fact that he's is 39 and in his prime in Basketball is unreal and unheard of not just in Basketball, but in most sports. The way he is still outputting what he did over 2 decades ago is just insane. This video is really great explaining how he is doing this, but even then, it's still just unreal. LeBron has honestly broken what we thought was the limit of longevity that we have seen before. Chris Paul has definitely been hit by old age. This might also be a product of what we have in the modern day though, and we will see how impressive LeBron's accomplishments at 39 are when Steph, KD, Jokic, Giannis and other players age. But let's not forget what LeBron did BEYOND the age of Steph and KD right now and close to it! He won a Championship and Finals MVP at 36, Assist Leader at 36, was the 2nd Leading Scorer at 37, 25 7 7 at 39, carried a bad Cavs squad in 2018 to the Finals, got to the finals at age 30, 31, 32, 33, winning the Finals and Finals MVP at 31. He also became the top Playoff scorer, Playoff + Regular season scorer and top regular season scorer of all time, he's 31st in Rebounds, 4th in Assists, 1st in Points, 7th in 3PM, 8th in Steals, 2nd in Minutes, 4th in FTM, 4th in Triple Doubles (5th now as Jokic passed him), 10th in Double Doubles and of course, 52.7% from the field and 39.7% from 3 at 39...

[@occultsymbols]

He’s not in his prime wtf are you talking about

[@Hi-DefSports]

Untraceable designer drugs, HGH and testosterone

[@kiloomelow4269]

​@occultsymbols I was wondering the same...these bums say things and don't realize the absolute crap they speak....in his prime? Like wtf...man misses games,has stopped defending for years,has no mid range game so all he does is Jack's up 3s or runs to the basket for lay ups...he is always looking around and walking on the defensive end bcuz he doesn't have the energy required to keep up with his OLD ASS.. Lebron in his prime yet his team that on paper is better than most and has a losing record.. This man has a losing finals record,got swept just lastseason but he is spoken about like he the best...😂😂😂

[@G4Chaos-on6xk]

lol he is not in his prime bro cmon yall. I get it, he's playing well for his age but yall just be on here talking.

[@rimimimimimimimim4170]

@@kiloomelow4269 are you dumb I don't think you know what you are talking about. He is shooting 39% from 3, over 50% from the field on 25 7 7. Even though he only plays Defense in the playoffs, he is still playing at such a high level that for most players their PRIME wouldn't even compare. He's not at his PRIME in terms of his best ever form, but he is still PRODUCING and playing at a high level that you have to be on the spectrum to think that he is not in his prime - when he is still literally playing at a top 25 level at 39, he is still going strong and he is clearly still playing at a very high level. When he starts to average below 24 7 6 then he will for sure be out of his prime, but when he puts up 29 8 7 at 39 years old I don't know what NBA you are watching to yap. To bring up his FINALS RECORD is another level of just being outright delusional, because to carry teams that aren't fit to make the finals to the finals and make the finals TEN times in itself is an achievement, in comparison to MJ (I THINK MJ IS THE GOAT, I'M NOT A LEBRON GUY), but don't forget, MJ never made it past the 1st round without an ALL STAR caliber player playing next to him.

[@kyleleighton9726]

I think the biggest key is his attention to detail in maintaining his body through medical, nutrition, recovery, and of course the way he paces himself throughout the game. The last of which he is able to do because of his size, strength, court vision, and general skill level.

[@AsInFlamesDying]

The anticipation at 0:50 is insane

[@kingjasko]

i'd like to also point out novak djoković, that guy will also probably play until 40 and still be on of the best

[@brucesmith1544]

yes another doper

[@qwertyutopia4667]

I’ve been saying if anything Novak is more impressive. Anyone that’s watches the NBA knows Lebron has lost athleticism. It’s just that in basketball there are ways around it. Novak is still an insane runner.

[@antheonthegreat1530]

croatian mother and father from montenegro

[@kingjasko]

@@qwertyutopia4667 exactly, in tennis you need to be athletic to compete, federer couldn't do it, nadal can't do it, djoković is still going strong :)

[@ryankayombya7576]

​@@qwertyutopia4667how is novak more impressive?

[@TheMrPurple]

Watching this after the dunk on PG against the clippers 🤯🐐

[@andrewchester3527]

Nice promo TB

[@leel8235]

This dude cold as hell, thank you for this video

[@xcvsumextra]

HGH and a lack of effort on defense for the last 8 or more seasons

[@user-lb9vb2nk3g]

🤡

[@fierromarcus]

Chris Paul did say he’s gonna play as long as he wants, dude was made in a lab

[@6.jn188]

steriods do that

[@nigralph]

1:48 nice one

[@jhs-law]

He's no more "crafty" than if the umps gave Roger Clemens a 6-foot wide strike zone, then everyone acted amazed at his numbers.

[@rodneyconcha2973]

If he plays offensively like Luka with improved long range shot and controls his pace, he can still go over 5 years with solid numbers.

[@ryanc3504]

"i know how hes doing it" - Barry Bonds

[@jchou17]

Watched this right after lebron put pg on a poster from the dotted line. Insane

[@dstedy]

The chasedown block being setup ready for the reverse is actually insane

[@IAMBTJGAMING]

People also don’t give his teammates credit either. Not many players at his age had the privilege to play with the talent he’s been able to bring around him consistently.

[@emcee_spokesman]

I've watched LBJ for his entire career and the most impressive thing about him has to be his photographic memory when it comes to the game

[@EltonChiang]

phenomonal content

[@KainZC]

4:04 i thought it was a fun analytic video but then turns out to be their biggest flex in yall faces ever

[@airborne_seal]

Bron has the perfect frame for longevity, being just small enough to avoid the classic leg injuries that many bigs suffer, while also being just big enough to keep up athletically with younger players. Brady, Messi, Ronaldo and Lebron all fit into the category of mental longevity as well, where their experience still allows them to compete in their respective sports despite the peak athleticism gradually waning. If VC never suffered all those leg injuries, he would’ve been in the same league as Bron in regards to longevity.

[@Netsfan24]

As a 25 year old, Bron has been a superstar in the nba as far back as I can possibly remember, love him or hate him you can't deny his greatness and longevity, the GOAT discussion will always be there but what isn't debatable is how he's impacted the game of basketball possibly more than any player in nba history, 1000 years from now you will not be able to discuss basketball without mentioning Lebron James

[@mateowannacomedyremasterz6605]

He's putting in the work 💪

[@terrasai2857]

Might not have actual photographic memory but he’s damn close 🐐🔥

[@sparkyfister]

If you only play half of the game, that makes it a lot easier.

[@yungesjosef]

Did you not watch the video?? The whole first half was defense 🫤

[@sparkyfister]

@@yungesjosef no. Any more questions?

[@noahamankwaah9802]

​ You are a prime example of a confidently incorrect person.

[@yungesjosef]

@@sparkyfister No just a statement. You a fucking weirdo

[@paulbunyan9436]

Right after the game ends Lebron begins his ice-bath, massages, rehydration, calorie dense meal and supplementation...He sleeps 12 hours a day for healing and recovery...That regimen costs a lot of money and it shows...

[@kuruptzZz]

Exactly, he takes care of his body like a well oiled machine. Even on vacation, he is in the gym training. If you combine that level of dedication with freakish genetics, this is the result

[@hiroshiueda1962]

What makes what he's doing amazing is that he is a billionaire in LA.

[@stuffylamb3420]

No way he’s sleeping 12 hours per day

[@pumelelabanca1442]

I will never forget the clip of dwade making fun of Bron for having Ice tired around him.

[@WaveRider1989]

It's not that he does all that now. He's been doing that since a teen. Lebrons interview as a high schooler he was stating that he has many recovery tools, meanwhile other guys didn't do any of that since young people don't feel the recovery is waste of time until old.

[@Cobymateo21]

"And he can rattle of sequences from games like they're song lyrics" That shit crazy, Yabadabadoo Old Navy

[@soloistdeve]

Load management, beauty sleeps, unphysical rules, stacking superteams, cruising through the worst conference ever, resting on regular seasons, never playing 82 games, never playing injured, never sacrificing his body.

[@malooch]

Watch the more plates more dates Lebron episode where he goes over the deleted Jimmy high roller vid.

[@__j20]

He deleted that video?

[@malooch]

@@__j20 pretty sure jimmy did yeah

[@oluwaseyijohnson3162]

Every NBA player is taking PEDs

[@__j20]

@@malooch it’s possible the nba took it down. They’ve been doing that to channels who make videos that call out that kind of stuff about him. If it’s anything that’s not positive about him, the nba makes sure KZbin’s algorithm suppresses the video and channel so people aren’t able to see the truth

[@briantep458]

its simple he doesnt play any defense. All of his points are layups or 3 pointers. You clearly don't watch any of the games

[@lukaslambs5780]

Great video! I’m very lucky that my life has pretty much exactly overlapped with Lebron’s playing career (I was born two years before he came into the league)

[@francomelendez2192]

It's crazy how you mentioned he was ready for the reverse on the chasedown, i just came from mind the game pod and lebron said that's exactly what he did! (8:30)

[@giuliobaldi3726]

I still don't understand the latest trend which saw tens of channels hating on him popping up in the last few months. He's a living textbook for sport longevity.

[@lawbinson]

It's been the case his entire career. I was also a hater in the first half of his career, when he mostly relied on physical dominance and had limited shooting ability. He was supposed to dominate. But now, there's so much evidence of his basketball genius along with his skill development that it's wild to see so many haters at this point of his career.

[@MDS_Basketball]

@@lawbinsondidn’t he go to the finals in his first four years with a trash cavs team? I think that’s pretty dominate…

[@peda15]

The issue is the non stop 2 decade long force feeding of Lebron to the masses. The fact that he has guys like Shannon Sharpe and Nick Wright (who is on the Klutch sports payroll) constantly cheerleading for him makes things even more nauseating. The constant narrative that Lebron never has any help has long run it’s course. The need for Lebron fan boys to try and tear down legends of the past to elevate Lebron has turned a lot of people off. Lebron’s passive aggressive nature has really come to the light over the last half decade. He wants to play the role of both David and Goliath. I could go on but I’ll stop. There are ppl who will unfairly hate Lebron no matter what he does (skip Bayless) but there are many legitimate reasons why so many folks don’t embrace him.

[@PoatanCombatSportGOAT]

He's an overrated commodity.

[@peda15]

@@MDS_Basketball Lebron is literally the only player I’ve seen in my life with rings get credit for for making the finals and losing. I’ve never heard anyone brag about Kareem’s 10 finals appearances, Magic’s 9, Kobe’s 7 etc. I’m not even saying he should be bashed for losing if his team comes up short (except for 2011) but that is not a measuring stick for all time greatness. To put that 07 finals run in perspective the Cavs beat a 41-41 wizards team missing arenas and Caron butler, a 41-41 Nets team and then a pistons that no longer had Ben Wallace and had the worst record as a number 1 seed in 35 years. Bron was special in that series and then is team preceded to get crushed in the finals. That Cavs teams more than likely doesn’t make it out of the 2nd round in the west that season. Context is everything

[@ThePatman1980]

The loss of Dennis Schröder and Lonnie Walker IV because the Lakers had to pay Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura is affecting the team more than their fans expected. Schröder was an energy bunny on defense. It was his second stint there and Lakers made the playoffs each time (‘21, ‘23) but Lakers never could give him the money he wanted. Walker was a streaky shooter who occasionally got hot in the playoffs. The loss of Schröder and Walker only to be replaced by Prince and Reddish might be the reason the Lakers aren’t good this year. Or maybe they had a flukey run last year since some of these guys were seeking extensions and the team was never good in the first place similar to those overachieving Miami Heat? Heart and effort can only take a team so far. A little bit of me thinks the Lakers are playing possum and can flip a switch by April. I personally don’t want this because I hate the Lakers and enjoy watching them lose. But let’s say they start rolling and win maybe 7 of their next 10. I would still be reluctant to label the Lakers as a contender. They’re still not on the level of Denver, Boston, Milwaukee, and Philly. And my Clippers and Phoenix would still give them problems in the playoffs. Perhaps even Dallas, too. I don’t know what to think of these Lakers? Maybe they were never that good after all and their WCF run was all a mirage. Phoenix and Clippers were hurt last year. Miami kinda had their flukey run out East becoming the second 8th seed to make the Finals. Beyond LeBron, AD, and Reaves, they’re mostly garbage players… D’Angelo Russell (vanishes in the playoffs) Gabe Vincent (hurt all year) Jarred Vanderbilt (disappointment, 2.5 PPG) Taurean Prince (lays eggs 🥚) Cam Reddish (lays eggs) Max Christie (mostly a scrub) Jaxson Hayes (can’t shoot) Hachimura has been hurt this year too and he hasn’t shown much consistency since making that money. I don’t believe LaVine is headed to the Lakers. I think he ends up with Knicks or Kings. The Lakers can’t shoot. LeBron has the highest 3-pt % which means they’re in trouble as he’s not a natural shooter and his 3-pt % is finally tailing off and coming down to his norm. Lakers sucks! Good riddance to them. Then LeBron will pack his bags for Golden State or Cleveland. Let’s go, Clippers! Lakers might be playing desperate after all their losing, so Clippers can’t underestimate. Lakers will be coming out hard at us. We must avenge for that Nov 1 loss. Take every game against the Lakers personal. They hate us but we hate them more and we want to stomp on them every time we face them.

[@ericbrown7628]

W comment

[@greed864]

Great analysis

[@magnumxlpi]

LeBron will stay in LA until he sees if Bronny will get to the league or not

[@jacobbell8171]

one thing - I wouldn't say the miami heat are over achievers when they were 1 shot away from making 3 of the last 4 finals!

[@TheNamesDitto]

A bigger effect is our coach being a dirtbag

[@DaemonPix]

That clip of Jalen Green sliding out of the way of Lebron had me lol

[@diehardlegend3466]

Nothing like a video by Thinking Basketball. This is peak basketball analysis

[@El_Colion]

More impressive is how he reversed his fading hairline

[@maclo4]

Ben, I’m begging you to make a video about the pistons. I know you don’t normally cover why teams are bad, but this is a historically bad season despite the fact that it seems like we have some talent. I would love to see an in depth breakdown of what’s going on the the floor that’s making it so impossible for them to win a game. Its not just lack of talent, it goes a lot deeper than that. Please, pistons fans need this. Maybe Monty would even see it and make some adjustments

[@sixxseven9144]

Work ethic is crazy I’m inspired in my own life now

[@georgelelandturner]

This man is a supremely gifted sportsman.

[@TheVegoran]

Even at his age he's more athletic than most of the league, that's insane

[@theflyingkaramazovbrothers6]

No he isn't. The league is full of young dudes who are as explosive and more agile than him.

[@Ninja_Walrus]

It's absolutely insane how a lot of basketball fans talk about negative about LeBron. I played basketball for 15 years and worked as a shooting coach, so I know the game pretty well in depth. LBJ plays basketball on such a level that average fans don't truly see what's happening. I try sometimes to explain these things to other fans and they can't grasp it. I am also a 5'9 white guy, so nobodies first instinct is to listen to anything I say about basketball anyways (besides ppl who have seen me play & coach) but the point is that he plays the game at such a high level that majority of what he does goes over everyones heads. Just the other day I had a disagreement with a Laker fan who never played, because he said that if a shot doesn't go in that it's a bad shot, and I tried to explain that a good shots can miss and bad shots can go in, that even if it doesn't go in it can still be a good shot and he refused to accept that. Same dude was huffing and puffing everytime LeBron had a turnover or missed a shot. In his own mind he believes that he understands what he's watching, but there is levels and he does not, and thats okay! Nothing wrong with that, it's just that this is majority of fans in most sports and these type of fans can't give Bron his flowers because what he's doing is invisible to their eyes.

[@clubbizarre]

3:19 that's hilarious !!!

[@captaintre44]

Ik this isn’t the place for the goat debate and I’m not gonna argue with anyone. This is my goat man, the dude got me into basketball, made me love the game and made me study and notice everything. Ik the fall from grace is truly coming but I’m happy to see him still playing like this