All-around excellence is exactly the phrase used to describe what Lebron James can do on the basketball court.
Throughout his 19 years in the NBA, LeBron James has been the center of attention wherever he has gone. It is certainly not because of his fashion style or muscular physique, but because of his almost flawless all-around excellence. Now more than ever, the Los Angeles Lakers need the king’s immense strength to overcome the current stormy season.
LeBron James at 37 is still excellent all-round
For 9 consecutive matches, LeBron James has scored more than 25 points to carry the aging and lazy offense of the Los Angeles Lakers. Although he has turned 37, “King James” still has to exhaust all his strength and experience accumulated after 17 seasons of playing at the top level, to bring each hard-won victory to the representative of the Western region. If it weren’t for the superstar wearing the number 6 jersey in the squad, perhaps the purple-gold team would have drifted to the bottom of the rankings.
In the absence of Anthony Davis due to injury, fans have even seen LeBron James start as a center a few times. Although he cannot operate freely on the familiar wings, the Akron native still sweeps opponents as usual without any difficulty. The tactical vision of the Ohio native is even maximized when commanding the home team’s defense, because now LeBron’s vision covers the entire court.
Obviously, the center position is not the favorite place for the living legend wearing the number 6 jersey. However, in such a difficult situation, LeBron James did not turn his back on the challenge and even completed it excellently. The small ball strategy was operated smoothly by the “king” even though since joining the Lakers, the 4-time MVP superstar often commanded a huge squad.
LeBron James seems to be comfortable playing multiple positions on the team, which makes his post-practice interview in 2020 all the more relevant. When asked which position on the court he feels most comfortable in, the former Miami Heat star denied any specific role.
“It doesn’t matter to me. I’m going to do everything I can to help my team win. I’m a basketball player, not just a shooter, a guard, a forward or a center. Put me on the court and I’m going to be able to make a difference there with whoever’s playing next to me. So the most important thing is to be on the court because it’s fun and exciting.”
Those words, when looked back at now, almost seem like a prophecy. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, a year after that statement, LeBron James really had to do everything on the court for the Los Angeles Lakers. Even the king’s familiar rival in Draymond Green had to exclaim: “At this rate, LeBron will hold all kinds of records from the youngest to the oldest in every aspect.”
Draymond Green also has to admire the greatness of his opponent.
It is indeed a blessing for fans to witness LeBron James’s powerful 19th year. However, time is still an irresistible force. Therefore, if the superstar wearing the number 6 jersey continues to work at the current intensity without the help of his teammates, the Los Angeles Lakers will face the risk of ruining the entire season if any unfortunate injury finds the former Heat star.
