When LeBron James failed to score double digits for the first time in a regular season game since 2007, Father Time must have snickered a bit. Critics of the Los Angeles Lakers superstar who were ready to call him washed did too. Rumors of his demise were — as always — greatly exaggerated.
"When I did the father of time commercial thing, I'm in a battle with him, and I would like to say that I'm kicking his a** on the back nine," James said before his 41st birthday.
Butts are certainly being flung around here. Ever since James lost his legendary streak, his offensive production has actually soared. After the slow start, LeBron looks like his regular self, yet again.
James has averaged 25.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 33.5 minutes per game in the matchups following his scoring streak going down against the Toronto Raptors. The Lakers star has also shot 55.2 percent from the field, 34.9 percent from beyond the arc, and 75.0 percent from the free throw line. Whatever cracks in the armor there were have been patched up.
LeBron James is undeniably performing like an elite player once more
Yeah, yeah, yeah — there's two sides of the basketball court. It's true, and it's also the only thing LeBron's critics have left to hang onto.
There is no doubt LeBron is not going to be the best defender on the planet at this stage of his career. Even if he were, the NBA wouldn't recognize it (cough — 2012-13 — cough).
For whatever it is worth in that regard, James has been serviceable relative to his teammates. The aging forward hasn't been the main issue with the Lakers defense over this stretch in question.
LeBron has posted a defensive rating of 115.2 over the last 12 games. That ranks fifth on the team out of the Lakers players who have played a minimum of five games during that span.
James' defense won't qualify him as a two-way force. However, the package in its totality is still what one would want from the 41-year-old. LeBron is still a difference-maker and a needle-mover.
Assuming the Lakers can get a clean bill of health at some point, there should be plenty of upside from what James can bring to the table as the third option to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. How high the ceiling of the trio goes is still to be determined.