LeBron James Is Not at the Top Of the Game: Unchecked

At this moment, LeBron James is no longer the best player in the NBA.

LeBron James left the court early and we are getting an early look at the twilight of his career, as it’s strange to see him not able to take over a game at will and carry his team.

LeBron has seen ENOUGH. https://t.co/eGOwcsInT3

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 2, 2021

At this moment, whether it be his ankle, age, wear and tear or a combination of it all; he is not the best player in the game. This of course has been exacerbated by a Lakers supporting cast that is simply not as good as many believed, the injury to Anthony Davis, and a lack of shooting on the perimeter that leaves the floor crowded taking away space for James to operate.

People pleading for LeBron to drive...but look what he see's coming off a high screen and roll. PHX (smartly) shrinks the floor with zero fear of our shooters in any corner. Driving straight into four bodies and leads to a tough shot. pic.twitter.com/3oPutDRsoJ

— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) June 2, 2021

But the fact is LeBron is averaging fewer points in a playoff series than he has since the NBA Finals in 2011, the one legitimate black mark on his career. And though he is still able to impact the game with his basketball acumen and passing, his lack of burst on the drive is apparent, making him significantly more offensively limited than we are accustomed to.

"LeBron, the criticism is right! ... Dennis Schroder ran as may pick and rolls as LeBron basically. ... They Lakers didn't need LeBron in 'make the right play mode,' the Lakers needed LeBron in 'let me get 35-15-10.'"

—@ZachLowe_NBA pic.twitter.com/2PSxetrEIE

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) June 2, 2021

I don’t say this to diminish him, he’s already the greatest of all time in my mind and has nothing left to prove. However, given his current performance and what we’re watching from the likes of James Harden, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo this postseason, I simply can no longer confidently proclaim James to be the league’s best.

Lebron was playing some of his best ball before his high ankle injury. He hasn’t been the same guy since. There were a ton of 🚩🚩that he wasn’t gonna be himself all season

Fact that we’re 5 games into playoffs & still haven’t seen anything close to Playoff Bron is telling

— Ralph Mason (@Ralph_MasonJr) June 2, 2021

The simplest explanation for why is injury. He did just win Finals MVP in October and was on his way to likely hoisting the same regular season award before hurting his ankle. However, he is 36 and in year 18 as is frequently pointed out, which isn’t generally when players get better.

LeBron gonna be 50 years old playing in some charity game and people still gonna be screaming that his legacy is on the line lmao

— MMMMMM OK 🇵🇸 (@Sprint76767) June 2, 2021

I’ll never doubt his ability to respond, both in this series or next season, but the LeBron James we’re seeing right now is not the same. And as a result, the title of the best player in the NBA is finally up for grabs.