How has LeBron James’ age forced the LA Lakers superstar to evolve his game?

When LeBron James entered the NBA 19 years ago, he did so as one of the most highly scouted prospects in the nation. In his rookie debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers, James scored 25 points to put the league on notice. It was a fitting start to a career for a player who will inevitably be a first ballot Hall of Famer when he retires.

Although he was seen as a pass-first player, he possessed an incredible level of athleticism rarely seen in the NBA. Throughout the course of his career and his four championships, James' game has continued to evolve. During his time with the Cavaliers, James often relied on his athleticism to get to the basket and impact games.

With no shortage of athleticism, James could bully even the biggest of defenders in order to score or kick the ball to an open teammate for easy buckets. Throughout his career, however, that changed as James evolved into a multi-position player.

In the midst of a season that has seen James and the LA Lakers struggle, we thought we would take a look back at the evolution of his game throughout the years.

As previously stated, during this time with the Cavaliers, James often relied on his athleticism. It was during his time in Cleveland that the blueprint for how to win with LeBron was established. By allowing him to handle the ball and drive to the rim, forcing teams to double team him, the floor was open for 3-point shooters.

A young James continued to carry his team to the NBA playoffs and finals time and time again with little help. That all changed, however, when James shocked the world with his decision to join the Miami Heat during free agency in 2010. With the Akron native in Miami, a lot of things changed and so did his game.

LeBron James adapting to different playing positions

LeBron James' first year with the Heat was an adjustment, as many questioned his ability to be clutch in the fourth quarter. While he adjusted to playing multiple positions and being the team's primary ball handler, his play was put under the microscope.

It's hard to deny that this didn't have an impact on LeBron James. It wasn't until the second season in Miami that things started to turn around.

Even though LeBron James relied on many of the same skills that he used during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the move to Miami and partnership with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade forced him to evolve his game. With a more refined skill set, James returned to Cleveland.

However, many would agree that the most dominant years of his career took place in Miami. His best years as a leader were during his second stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Now 12 years into his career, James' game was more well-rounded than ever before. During his four-year return to Cleveland, James led the team to an NBA championship with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.

LeBron James’ injuries forced him to evolve his game

When LeBron James made the jump to the LA Lakers for the 2018-19 season, no one knew what would come next. It was an adjustment for the inevitable Hall of Famer as he found his rhythm in the point guard position. Much like Magic Johnson did during his time with the Lakers, James played the point guard position.

Unfortunately, due to injuries, he played in just 55 games during his first season with the team, a career low for James. In his second season, James and Anthony Davis elevated the Lakers to a title inside the NBA bubble. Unfortunately, injuries once again reared their ugly head as he played in just 45 games the following year.

With injuries weighing on LeBron James in the twilight years of his career, he has continued to rely on his playmaking abilities to impact the game. It's something that he has continued to utilize this season. With Russell Westbrook coming off the bench, James is taking primary ballhandler duties for the Lakers.

Edited by Rajdeep Barman