Lebron turns 36 next season. Do we finally see a drop in production from him?

[CelticsElite]

This guy is always in the mvp race Every year but he turns 36 in december. If this season gets cancelled, could that doldrum and lack of activity affect him? I’m sure at the moment he doesn’t have access to a lot of services he usually gets. That also could be a big destroyer of production for him


Father Time is always undefeated. It’s a matter of when will he get affected

[Somebody]

I'm not sure at this point. I think his defence will continue to decline, but his offensive game will likely stay the same - he's fully shifted his offence into early 90s Magic Johnson. I don't see that declining much for the next few years.

[gouki88]

His defence will continue to get worse, but his offence isn’t as reliant on athleticism anymore, as he’s completely taken on the role of a playmaker first.

However, if (or when) AD goes down with an injury, I think he’ll be in trouble. Another thing is his shooting is not that good. He’s a lot more dependent on another guy for scoring.

[makaveli]

At this point, it wouldn’t surprise me if he turned into a remarkable 3pt shooting PG.

[SHAQATTACK]

He can still gather the energy and make a special play no doubt , he is not cooked yet.  He can pass .  But , its a good and bad thing , he is a ball hog , every play starts though him ,  he can't seem to be able to be a second option or later part of play .   As he slows and his overall energy diminishes , i think he can be held in check by a Brown / Tatum young player or Smart harassment  .  Somebody with quick springs in their legs,  like Timelord , can make his drives more difficult and he ll,be weary of rejections around the bucket  .  We have players to limit an old James , but not so much an answer for AD.   James needs the refs more than ever to give him the benefit of all the closer calls.  He should be somewhat effective like PP or KG though 37 , I think .  38 and up , he is gonna do ALOT or ton of standing and watching on defense.

[cons]

Can’t wait to see him finally decline.  Not a bad guy I think. But ugh he’s killed us for so long. Can’t wait to see him lose it!! 😄👍 the sooner the better. 😄

[DefenseWinsChamps]

There are moments where he looks like Marcus Smart on his drives, struggling to beat his man, struggling to get any lift on the finish.

Those moments will become less rare, but he can still be a dynamic offensive floor presence and timely defensive presence for the next 5 years.

[Somebody]

His defence will continue to get worse, but his offence isn’t as reliant on athleticism anymore, as he’s completely taken on the role of a playmaker first.

However, if (or when) AD goes down with an injury, I think he’ll be in trouble. Another thing is his shooting is not that good. He’s a lot more dependent on another guy for scoring.

I agree - his exploitative passing is a bit dependent on having guys who have their own gravity/are great off-ball threats, so he won't do well with a setup that's perfect for him when he was younger (ie. lots of finishers and floor spacers who can't create but can defend).

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

I can only hope so.

[PhoSita]

Maybe a drop in minutes and a continued decline in the amount of time that he spends trying on defense.


I dont' really expect that his efficiency or per-minute production will go down until he gets closer to 40. 

Missing the playoffs last year and then missing all this time this year due to 'rona will probably mitigate against all the mileage on his legs.

[Phantom255x]

I've always felt Lebron would play at a high level until 37-38. Still think so, and I actually think in some ways, this shortened season might benefit him over the next year or two as he gets more rest.

[footey]

Before this season, I would have thought he would decline. In fact, he has done the opposite.  As long as the Lakers can limit his minutes, I expect he will be able to produce another MVP type performance next season. Dude is still very hungry, and very disciplined.  Kudos to him.

[GreenFaith1819]

Won't get much drop off from LeBron overall...some defensively of course but he'll stay a top player for the next couple of years.

His (and LAL's) window IS closing, though...and Covid-19 isn't helping things for ANY one.

We can't be 100% sure AD will resign in LAL...it's a probable I'd guess but not definite.

His agent has already alluded to AD testing the waters next season - and CHI is becoming an interesting suitor as they clean up THEIR organization....

Lots of loose ends to be tied up...LeBron doesn't have long at the top but I'm enjoying the ride while he's here.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

Won't get much drop off from LeBron overall...some defensively of course but he'll stay a top player for the next couple of years.

His (and LAL's) window IS closing, though...and Covid-19 isn't helping things for ANY one.

We can't be 100% sure AD will resign in LAL...it's a probable I'd guess but not definite.

His agent has already alluded to AD testing the waters next season - and CHI is becoming an interesting suitor as they clean up THEIR organization....

Lots of loose ends to be tied up...LeBron doesn't have long at the top but I'm enjoying the ride while he's here.

Can you imagine if Davis did go to Chicago? I know it's unlikely, but imagine how that would shift the league.

Then imagine how Lebron responds. He'd likely ask for a trade. Here's my three favorite.

Nets: Lavert, Dinwiddie, Allen, Harris, and two future firsts for Lebron.

Miami: Olynyk, Herro, Nunn, salary filler, and a first for Lebron

Toronto: Ibaka, Van Fleet (sign and trade), OG, and future firsts for Lebron.

All three Eastern teams.

[PhoSita]

Won't get much drop off from LeBron overall...some defensively of course but he'll stay a top player for the next couple of years.

His (and LAL's) window IS closing, though...and Covid-19 isn't helping things for ANY one.

We can't be 100% sure AD will resign in LAL...it's a probable I'd guess but not definite.

His agent has already alluded to AD testing the waters next season - and CHI is becoming an interesting suitor as they clean up THEIR organization....

Lots of loose ends to be tied up...LeBron doesn't have long at the top but I'm enjoying the ride while he's here.

Can you imagine if Davis did go to Chicago? I know it's unlikely, but imagine how that would shift the league.

Then imagine how Lebron responds. He'd likely ask for a trade. Here's my three favorite.

Nets: Lavert, Dinwiddie, Allen, Harris, and two future firsts for Lebron.

Miami: Olynyk, Herro, Nunn, salary filler, and a first for Lebron

Toronto: Ibaka, Van Fleet (sign and trade), OG, and future firsts for Lebron.

All three Eastern teams.

Didn't LeBron go to LA in the first place because he wanted to be there while his kid went to school?