Why do people think Lebron is going to be the best ever?

[JR Giddens]

he's most likely going to be top 5 but why do people think he'll be a great postup player and outside shooter. I know he's 24 but he's been in the league for 6 years so I don't see him drastically improving in those areas. I never saw Lebron post anybody up until this year. I think the Laker exposed Lebron's left hand and when his teammates are missing shots. When Lebron's knees start to shatter like Kobe's in 5 years I don't see him scoring 30 a nite with those pretty fallaways.

[cornbreadsmart]

i think lebron SHOULD be the best. there's a lot of wated energy in his game. he dribbles way too much. i hate to agree with chareles barkley, cuz he's almost always wrong,but i think they use him badly. they still might win the whole thing though so what do i know?

[wdleehi]

He has improved every year.  This year, he has added a defensive mentality that has made him their stopper.  He has also added the mentality of not taking games off.  His outside shot is better now then it was when he entered.  And with his size, it is only a matter of time until he adds a post up game.



As for being the best of all time, he has the tools.  He has to accomplish a whole lot to get there.  (including 4+ titles)

[moiso]

Lebron is awesome, he has improved every year.  He's got to be in the conversation for best 24 year old ever.  I think he's a tad better than Jordan at that age, but it's tough to compare him to someone like Kareem.  It's hard to imagine anyone having any criticism's of Lebron's game at this point.  He tremendously improved his defense and shooting this year, he's equal to any passer in the game, he's a great teammate.  What more could he do?
As for best ever, it's hard to say.  He has the potential to be the best ever, but if he's in the conversation when he retires, isn't that enough?  Was Michael better than Magic or Bird?  Does it matter?

[cornbreadsmart]

that's a big part. great teammate. it's still the most underrated part of his game.

[cornbreadsmart]

[dang]it. i promised myself i would stop using underrated, overrated yadda yadda. you're right, moiso. does'nt matter. who really cares. if pierce was the best player in the world.it would be good for him but sorry, who cares. all about who wins the titles.

[Carhole]

he's most likely going to be top 5 but why do people think he'll be a great postup player and outside shooter. I know he's 24 but he's been in the league for 6 years so I don't see him drastically improving in those areas. I never saw Lebron post anybody up until this year. I think the Laker exposed Lebron's left hand and when his teammates are missing shots. When Lebron's knees start to shatter like Kobe's in 5 years I don't see him scoring 30 a nite with those pretty fallaways.

I do not really understand your post. You think he is likely going to be top 5 ever but think it is crazy for people to think he might be the best ever? They are basically the same statement, once you get to that level of great there is no definite correct or wrong.

You say you dont see him improving his post up game or jump shot from the age of 24 on? Jordan, who most consider the best ever did not have any post game or a consistent J at 24 - he somehow managed to develop those things.

I think people make the leap in judgement to best ever because of his combination of tools + physical dominance at 24 when he technically is not even at his physical prime.

He is 6'9" 270 (that is an enormous D end in football) even when his knees get wore down he could be moved to the 4 and probably be the best passing PF ever, still be larger and more athletic then Karl Malone in his prime and play another 5 great seasons there. He has the "potential" to have unlimited versatility that can really add to longevity and production. It is also dependant on him caring to improve his game but it really doesnt seem like a huge leap to make, that this 24 year old averaging 28-7-7 in a league with a much slower pace then in the 80's and who has played in 1 nba finals, took the champs to the limit and is anchoring what will probably be a 60 win team has a real chance to be the greatest when he is done improving.

[fairweatherfan]

Since LeBron's rookie year I've believed he was going to be the best ever (barring injury, substance addiction, or other extenuating circumstances) whether I liked it or not, so I'd better at least try to appreciate what he does.

To put it roughly, LeBron plays like a Jordan-type in a Karl Malone-type body.  He has the slashing skills and athleticism of an All-Star 2 or 3, the strength and rebounding ability of a strong 4, and the court vision and passing of an above-average 1.  He still has significant weaknesses: his outside game is inconsistent (though improving), he hasn't shown much of a post game, and he needs to bring his FT% up 5-10%, but despite this he's still averaging 28.5 pts, 7.5 rebs, 7 asts, 1.8 stls and 1.3 blks in a career-low # of minutes, while shooting nearly 50% from the field and drawing a ton of fouls on the other squad. As others have pointed out he's shown a commitment to defense recently, and has shown signs of being a beast at that end too.  And while he can't truly be in the conversation without at least a championship or two, he's made the finals and almost took us out with a very flawed supporting cast.

Bottom line is, when you play a team with LeBron on it he must become the central point of your game plan - most teams will concede a ton of open shots for his teammates just for the sake of getting the ball out of his hands.  And the more his teams improve, the worse that strategy becomes and the more likely he is to take over.  That's one of the reasons why I desperately want a title this year - I'm no fan of LeBron's, but I have a sneaking suspicion that once he gets into the winning circle, there aren't going to be many championships to go around for awhile.