LeBron James? On The Decline? Reality Might Be Setting In As Lakers’ Concerns Grow

December 3, 2024

LeBron James is in the middle of one of the worst shooting slumps of his career, and it’s starting to feel like we’re seeing a glimpse of what comes next.

Over the past four games, he’s missed every single one of his 19 three-point attempts. Sure, it’s not the worst streak in history, but it’s still shocking for a player who, until recently, was a reliable shooter from deep.

The thing is, LeBron’s always been a bit streaky with his shot. He’s had bad shooting seasons before — including his MVP-winning years when he was below league average from three.

But what’s concerning now is that his struggles aren’t just from beyond the arc. Against the Timberwolves on Monday, he shot just 4-of-12 from inside, finishing with only 10 points.

This follows a troubling trend, with a couple of other low-scoring games this season, including an 11-point effort against Phoenix. His average of 22 points through 21 games is the lowest it’s been since his rookie year.

And it’s not just about the numbers — it’s about the way he’s playing. LeBron’s fast-break points are down from last year, and his efficiency in the restricted area has dipped significantly.

He’s shooting just 67.9% at the rim, a far cry from the 73.3% he was shooting just a year ago. And while he’s still good for a playmaking and rebounding boost, his physical decline is starting to show more clearly in the way he’s finishing at the rim and separating from defenders.

The block by Naz Reid in that Timberwolves game was a glaring example of how he’s no longer the force he once was.

Look, it’s LeBron — we know he’s going to have great games mixed in. But at 39 years old, the inevitable decline is starting to show. He’s still better than most players in the league, but the margin between him and his peers is narrowing.

And while the Lakers might be able to manage with him at less than his best for now, this is what the twilight of an all-time great’s career looks like. The skill is still there, but the explosiveness is fading.

The Lakers have to figure out how to manage that moving forward, because it’s clear LeBron won’t be able to carry the load the way he has for so long. It happens to all of us. Even the greatest of us.