LeBron James Dominates Against New Orleans: A Historic Season in the 21st Year

LeBron James frente a New Orleans

To think that, in his 21st season, a talent with shocking validity, like Vince Carter, averaged 7.4 points and was applauded. What should we do then with LeBron James, who surpassed that mark with just his average in the fourth quarter? The King has been so good that his average in the final quarter, in this campaign, was 8.1, being the leader in the entire NBA. In total he climbed to 25.6, thus achieving the 20th consecutive season of him exceeding 25. The closest is Kevin Durant, with 13. A true madness if we think that he is 39 years old… A case worthy of scientific study.

The King does not seem to notice the kilometers his legs have traveled during the 1,773 games played, 1,491 in the regular phase and 282 in the playoffs. His genetics, professionalism, discipline and work ethic are so special that you almost don’t notice that he is almost 40. You can see it in his energy, movements and aggressiveness. Which allows him, along with his permanent progress in the game, to continue scoring like when he was 10 years younger, for example. This season his 25.6 average is the same as it was a decade ago.

The same happens with passes (8.4) and rebounds (7.2). But there is something new: his three-point effectiveness. Never before had it this campaign, which reached 41.3%. The closest was 40.6% from 12/13. Shocking.

LeBron James has 1,773 games played under his belt, 1,491 in the regular phase and 282 in the playoffs

The combo that adds all this is surprising. Only twice has there been a player who has averaged more than 25 points, above 54% from the field and 40% in triples: and yes, both times it was LeBron, in 2013 and now, in 2024. In addition, we must add that he has launched a 72% near the rim, in 537 shots. And if you add his three-point percentage, he is the first player in history to do so, with that efficiency, both near and far from the rim. He makes an impact but his numbers are as good or better than he was 10 or 15 years ago.

Along the way he achieved several milestones, such as reaching Kareem Abdul Jabbar as the top scorer in NBA history and, months later, surpassing Brazilian Oscar Schmidt (49,737 points) as the all-time top scorer in world basketball. He also became the first of all time to break the limit of 25,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 15,000 assists and 5,000 steals. The most impressive thing is that no one exceeds 27,000, 7,000 and 7,000.

Aesthetic dunk by LeBron, the stainless athlete (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

There’s not much more to say: just tip your hat. And wait for the Playoffs. The Lakers, who closed the season with a 23-10 record in the last 33 games, will play the Play-in with the Pelicans starting this Tuesday, whom they beat on the last date of the regular phase with a triple double from LeBron. Whoever passes will face the champion Denver. Not easy. But, of course, with the King nothing is certain anymore…

2024-04-16 06:17:39
#LeBron #James #case #worthy #study #shocking #numbers #21st #season #NBA