Does the new NBA Era begin when LeBron retires, or are we already in it?

[perks-a-beast]

With the ascension of so many great young players over the past 4 years - especially Luka Doncic, who i believe to be the heir to LeBron - many make the claim that we are in an entirely new era of the NBA. But can you really say that before the guys who has been the face of the league for the past 2 decades retires? Especially when he's still playing at a really high level?

I believe Jordans retirement with the Bulls in 98 was a clear point where a new era in the NBA was ushered in. Over the next few years, we would see the rise of the Spurs and Lakers dynasties, and a new crop of superstars emerge. Things completely changed.

When I saw LeBron walk off the court demoralized after being defeated in the first round for the first time of his career, I had a feeling come over me that we wouldn't see LeBron rise back to relevance and title contention again - unless he somehow slithers his way on to another team. So it sort of felt like the end of an era for me. Am i being a bit too premature here to declare an entirely new era for professional basketball?

And if you believe the new era of the NBA is already here, and we don't have to wait for ther King to retire to see be in it, can you pin point the moment that ushered it in? Is it Luka being drafted? Is it The Bubble? Is it the Spurs missing the playoffs for the first time in two decades?

[BudweiserCeltic]

With the ascension of so many great young players over the past 4 years - especially Luka Doncic, who i believe to be the heir to LeBron - many make the claim that we are in an entirely new era of the NBA. But can you really say that before the guys who has been the face of the league for the past 2 decades retires? Especially when he's still playing at a really high level?

I believe Jordans retirement with the Bulls in 98 was a clear point where a new era in the NBA was ushered in. Over the next few years, we would see the rise of the Spurs and Lakers dynasties, and a new crop of superstars emerge. Things completely changed.

When I saw LeBron walk off the court demoralized after being defeated in the first round for the first time of his career, I had a feeling come over me that we wouldn't see LeBron rise back to relevance and title contention again - unless he somehow slithers his way on to another team. So it sort of felt like the end of an era for me. Am i being a bit too premature here to declare an entirely new era for professional basketball?

And if you believe the new era of the NBA is already here, and we don't have to wait for ther King to retire to see be in it, can you pin point the moment that ushered it in? Is it Luka being drafted? Is it The Bubble? Is it the Spurs missing the playoffs for the first time in two decades?

It's all about health. If they're not limping into the Playoffs they're very tough to beat.

[footey]

With the ascension of so many great young players over the past 4 years - especially Luka Doncic, who i believe to be the heir to LeBron - many make the claim that we are in an entirely new era of the NBA. But can you really say that before the guys who has been the face of the league for the past 2 decades retires? Especially when he's still playing at a really high level?

I believe Jordans retirement with the Bulls in 98 was a clear point where a new era in the NBA was ushered in. Over the next few years, we would see the rise of the Spurs and Lakers dynasties, and a new crop of superstars emerge. Things completely changed.

When I saw LeBron walk off the court demoralized after being defeated in the first round for the first time of his career, I had a feeling come over me that we wouldn't see LeBron rise back to relevance and title contention again - unless he somehow slithers his way on to another team. So it sort of felt like the end of an era for me. Am i being a bit too premature here to declare an entirely new era for professional basketball?

And if you believe the new era of the NBA is already here, and we don't have to wait for ther King to retire to see be in it, can you pin point the moment that ushered it in? Is it Luka being drafted? Is it The Bubble? Is it the Spurs missing the playoffs for the first time in two decades?

It's all about health. If they're not limping into the Playoffs they're very tough to beat.

But with each succeeding year health issues likely to increase, not decrease.  It's remarkable what he accomplished last season.

[BudweiserCeltic]

With the ascension of so many great young players over the past 4 years - especially Luka Doncic, who i believe to be the heir to LeBron - many make the claim that we are in an entirely new era of the NBA. But can you really say that before the guys who has been the face of the league for the past 2 decades retires? Especially when he's still playing at a really high level?

I believe Jordans retirement with the Bulls in 98 was a clear point where a new era in the NBA was ushered in. Over the next few years, we would see the rise of the Spurs and Lakers dynasties, and a new crop of superstars emerge. Things completely changed.

When I saw LeBron walk off the court demoralized after being defeated in the first round for the first time of his career, I had a feeling come over me that we wouldn't see LeBron rise back to relevance and title contention again - unless he somehow slithers his way on to another team. So it sort of felt like the end of an era for me. Am i being a bit too premature here to declare an entirely new era for professional basketball?

And if you believe the new era of the NBA is already here, and we don't have to wait for ther King to retire to see be in it, can you pin point the moment that ushered it in? Is it Luka being drafted? Is it The Bubble? Is it the Spurs missing the playoffs for the first time in two decades?

It's all about health. If they're not limping into the Playoffs they're very tough to beat.

But with each succeeding year health issues likely to increase, not decrease.  It's remarkable what he accomplished last season.

I mean, they won the Championship the previous year... this was an atypical year health wise. We and our young guys were limping into the Playoffs as it were (seems like we always do).

[td450]

By my count, there are 9 dominant players; none with the ability to dominate the others:

Antetokounmpo
Leonard
Curry
Doncic
Jokic
James
Lillard
Durant
Davis

It is possible for a breakout, but I don't see it. For C's fans, it should be noted that none of those guys can dominate Tatum or Brown either.

LeBron turns 37 early next season. He might have one last chance if everything goes right for him.

For now, we are in a place where a lot of teams could steal a title.

[Ogaju]

By my count, there are 9 dominant players; none with the ability to dominate the others:

Antetokounmpo
Leonard
Curry
Doncic
Jokic
James
Lillard
Durant
Davis

It is possible for a breakout, but I don't see it. For C's fans, it should be noted that none of those guys can dominate Tatum or Brown either.

LeBron turns 37 early next season. He might have one last chance if everything goes right for him.

For now, we are in a place where a lot of teams could steal a title.

Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, and Devin Booker probably do not approve this message.

[Celtics4ever]

Even LeBron knows it hence all the rampant team stacking and complaints.  Good riddance.

[SHAQATTACK]

Yes ….he is hands down the leader of the malcontents crowd ,.he has following of anti establishment,  non cooperative,  non team ,  racial bias and other baggage …..I ll be glade he an d his hate cronies……like Irving disappear off the planet

He can’t disappear soon enough .   

[perks-a-beast]

With the ascension of so many great young players over the past 4 years - especially Luka Doncic, who i believe to be the heir to LeBron - many make the claim that we are in an entirely new era of the NBA. But can you really say that before the guys who has been the face of the league for the past 2 decades retires? Especially when he's still playing at a really high level?

I believe Jordans retirement with the Bulls in 98 was a clear point where a new era in the NBA was ushered in. Over the next few years, we would see the rise of the Spurs and Lakers dynasties, and a new crop of superstars emerge. Things completely changed.

When I saw LeBron walk off the court demoralized after being defeated in the first round for the first time of his career, I had a feeling come over me that we wouldn't see LeBron rise back to relevance and title contention again - unless he somehow slithers his way on to another team. So it sort of felt like the end of an era for me. Am i being a bit too premature here to declare an entirely new era for professional basketball?

And if you believe the new era of the NBA is already here, and we don't have to wait for ther King to retire to see be in it, can you pin point the moment that ushered it in? Is it Luka being drafted? Is it The Bubble? Is it the Spurs missing the playoffs for the first time in two decades?

It's all about health. If they're not limping into the Playoffs they're very tough to beat.

I hope the warriors come back next year and annihilate the Lakers

[Kuberski33]

I'm tired of LeBron and his whole act....the guy is an insufferable ego-maniac.  But it's been pretty amazing that his health has held up to the extent that it has given all the minutes he's played and all the playoff runs he's had over the years. I do think the new era is being ushered in right now though.  The game has changed and there's a new generation of stars coming of age.

He can still compete with the best of them but he's no longer king of the hill and we're probably starting to see the beginning of an inevitable decline. First the injuries start to pile up and then the number of games where he's just average start to increase.

[Moranis]

The Lakers were a Davis injury away from making the Finals again this year.  Certainly way too early to write them off for next year, but they obviously have a lot of work to do with free agents and the roster in general.

[Walker Wiggle]

Is Lebron finished as a top-tier player?

Consider that Barry Bonds had an OPS of 1.400 at age 40. That’s your answer.

[staticcc]

Depends if Lebron wins another chip in the last 3 years of his career - all hinged on AD's health IMO.

[Muzzy66]

By my count, there are 9 dominant players; none with the ability to dominate the others:

Antetokounmpo
Leonard
Curry
Doncic
Jokic
James
Lillard
Durant
Davis

It is possible for a breakout, but I don't see it. For C's fans, it should be noted that none of those guys can dominate Tatum or Brown either.

LeBron turns 37 early next season. He might have one last chance if everything goes right for him.

For now, we are in a place where a lot of teams could steal a title.

To be honest, I'm not sure I would put Kawhi and AD on that list.  Kawhi seems to (to me) like he's been less impactful since leaving Toronto, and AD I just don't think has what it takes to carry anybody to actual team success.

[86MaxwellSmart]

Yes ….he is hands down the leader of the malcontents crowd ,.he has following of anti establishment,  non cooperative,  non team ,  racial bias and other baggage …..I ll be glade he an d his hate cronies……like Irving disappear off the planet

He can’t disappear soon enough .

True, we seem to have some good guys coming in right now...Booker,Giannis,Tatum,Mitchell, etc.