I haven't watched the Lakers at all this season. It's early, but LeBron's stats are lower than they've been since his rookie season. I think this is the year he finally slips out of the top 10. t's been a remarkable run. 18 straight years in which he has averaged at least 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Never lower than 47% from the field.
Possible. I think the expectation is that he has to pull more weight than he should I'm sorry about AD is a mega disappointment Rocket RIver
Giannis Luka. Jokic Morant Tatum. Clearly a tier above based on this season and last Booker Curry Mitchell (this season,) All probably better Embiid - probably better but he's not as good as last. Durant - hard to say because of Nets disaster. Bunch of others (Young etc) I think he still has a top 10 claim - depends on how lost the season gets for LA.
If we're talking "who would you rather start a franchise with?" then I think your list has merit. But if we're talking "top 10 player in the NBA, '22-'23," then I think I would take LeBron over everyone on that list except for Luka, Jokic and Giannis. So LeBron, to me, is a top 4 player. I think he just has to do too much because no one else around him can really be counted on to shoot. If he were in Tatum's place in Boston or Giannis' place in Milwaukee - teams that have quality shooters and actual depth, I think LeBron would be just fine. But he's stuck in a place where the lights are brightest, and his co-stars are a dude who can't shoot and a dude who can't stay healthy...and no one else. Thus, this negatively impacts the perception of LeBron and so it feels like he's washed. When, I don't think he is.
I have to disagree - Tatum is averaging 30-7-4, is a good defender, was 1st team all NBA last year - that's just better than current Lebron is capable of right now. I think you can make similar arguments for Morant and Curry too
I'd think he probably still is. Maybe somewhere in the 6-10 range. It's hard to accurately gauge his ability cause a lot of the time it looks like he's completely over that disaster of a roster. When he turns it up he still looks like old school LeBron. Hasn't played a second of defense this entire year but probably would if it was the playoffs or something.
I'm not ready to put Mitchell ahead of him yet . .. honestly not even Embiid not yet . . Just like Kawhi is out of the top 10 for injuries. . . applies to Embiid and AD Rocket River
Its just remarkable that a player in his 20th season in any sport is in discussion for being a top 10 player He can still get numbers but they are not as impactful as they use to be as far as winning, he could probably play to mid 40s and still get 20ppg
If the Lakers actually had talent and LeBron didn't have to do too much he'd be like top 5 in 538 raptor.
Embiid was MVP caliber last year. Is LeBron MVP caliber? Not anymore. Mitchell is obv having a better season this year LeBron is still putting up box score #s, but it's taking him a lot more shots and dribbles to get them than he used to. Father time, undefeated etc
