LeBron James
The word overrated is the wrong adjective to use when describing LeBron James. A better term is; overhyped.
Almost all of the oddsmakers in Las Vegas have LeBron at +700 (5th best in the NBA) to win the MVP award next season.
Plus, Damian Lillard recently spoke up and said that James is the best player in the NBA.
James could very well be the best player in the league, but if you’re a Lakers fan, you don’t want LBJ in the MVP conversation next season. Let Giannis, Harden, Curry, or Embiid bask in MVP adoration. Let them rack up great statistics while they average close to 40 minutes per game. LeBron’s shelves are already lined with a variety of different awards trophies; he doesn’t need anymore. LBJ must conserve energy next year.
Last season LeBron James played too much:
- October: 36.4 MPG, 29 USG% (both were highest on the team)
- November: 33.9 MPG (2nd highest on the team), 32.3 USG% (highest on the team)
- December: 34.4 MPG (2nd highest on the team, 30 USG% (highest on the team)
After playing an average of 35 minutes per game with the highest usage rate on the Lakers during the first part of the season, on December 25th LeBron James went down with a groin injury.
The damage done to LBJ’s leg was no coincidence. James is too old to shoulder an MVP-type burden anymore.
James, at age 34, must be held to a strict minutes restriction next year. He should play around 29 minutes per game with a usage rate in the mid-twenties.
If James is getting MVP consideration next season, that means he’ll be an everyday player, who averages close to 35 MPG. If that occurs, something is going wrong on the Lakers, because LA’s roster is too deep for LBJ to have to dominate the way he once did.
If things work out the way Purple and Gold devotees hope they will, LeBron James will only have to perform like the best player in the league for short spurts during close contests. Hopefully next season LeBron finishes outside the top-8 in MVP voting as the Lakers use their depth to build one of the best records in the league.
With any luck, LeBron James will have an overhyped summer, but he’ll be well-rested at the end of the season and ready to help the Lakers march through the playoffs.