"He can’t carry you anymore”- Anonymous GM believes LeBron James has finally started to show his age

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 25, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 25, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

LeBron James has inspired a variety of new-age basketballers and is currently in his 19th season. The NBA maestro has continued to show he can perform at the highest level despite his age, but how many more years can he go?

His 19th season in the league has been nothing short of spectacular, although a good part of the season was marred by injuries. He has not failed to put on a show every night as he takes the court and this speaks highly of his commitment to the game and his team.

The 18-time All-Star player averages 28.9 points per game in 42 appearances this season and is on course to become the scoring champion, with Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way with close margins. Being the most voted player in his conference, LBJ led the team in the All-Star Game. He secured the winning shot to defeat Team Durant and claim his fifth All-Star win in a row as captain.

Despite his amazing performances this season, his ability to carry a team has been questioned by the GM of an NBA team. The identity of this GM remains anonymous and he has reservations regarding how much impact he can have on a team in general. He agrees LeBron James is having an awesome season individually and he still has the 'goods', but doesn't think it's enough to carry a team.

"LeBron is still good, but he can’t carry you anymore. The only way I could see doing it is if you needed the box office draw."

NBA GMs not very enthusiastic about LeBron James' decision to play with his son Bronny

LeBron James #6 of Team LeBron looks on against Team Durant during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 20, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio.
LeBron James #6 of Team LeBron looks on against Team Durant during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 20, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Over the All-Star weekend, LeBron James made public his interest in playing with his son Bronny before he retired. He even went on to say 'he was ready to leave the Lakers' if he needed to, in order to play alongside Bronny. While some think it's a tactic to get the Lakers to start thinking in that direction if they are to keep him in the team, others think he is overreaching and as such GMs are not entirely enthusiastic about getting the signature of the 37-year old in another two years.

Some NBA GMs have voiced their reservations, knowing that getting him means having him right there in the front office making recruitment decisions for immediate impact and not future plays.

"I can’t speak for all the other teams, but to plan for a 39-year-old and taking on his son, who I hear is just decent, to make moves for all that, I don’t see it."

An Eastern Conference GM had said he wasn't looking forward to having such thoughts, as it was the last thing on his mind. The Bron family on the court isn't such an appealing prospect for him.

"The last thing I’m thinking about is Bron and Bron," an Eastern Conference GM said on his way back from Cleveland to rejoin his team. "I doubt it is something I would put a lot of thought into right now."

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now