How many more seasons will Lebron be the best player?

[celticsclay]

I think something pretty crazy they briefly mentioned last night was how many minutes Lebron James has played in his career. He is currently 13th on the active list (see below). Everyone on that list with the exception of Duncan, and to a lesser extent joe johnson has faded immensely. I realize James is at least 4 years younger than almost all these guys and 5-6 than a lot of them, but it is still a staggering sight. I wonder how much longer he can continue before his athleticism and ability to recover from injuries start to wane. It also seems like he has not improved his jump shot much, if at all, since entering the league. That seems like that puts even more pressure on him to rely on strength and athleticism as a player. Thoughts? 

1.    Kevin Garnett    49862
2.    Kobe Bryant    46774
3.    Ray Allen    46344
4.    Tim Duncan    45832
5.    Dirk Nowitzki    44885
6.    Paul Pierce    44372
7.    Vince Carter    40331
8.    Shawn Marion    40097
9.    Andre Miller    39807
10.    Jason Terry    38597
11.    Joe Johnson    38483
12.    Antawn Jamison    37638
13.    LeBron James    35769

[KG Living Legend]

4 more years barring no ACL tears.

[Ilikesports17]

It depends on Anthony Davis. I think he will be clear cut numero uno for the next 2 years then the conversation will get very serious.

[celticsclay]

4 more years barring no ACL tears.

I am trying to think when a player has been the best player in the league at 34 years old. Coming out of high school also had to be worth something in terms of the wear on his body also. I think it would be impressive if he could keep the title even 2 more years personally.

[Endless Paradise]

Depending on who you ask, Michael Jordan was the best player in the league at 34 years old and for, like, the entire decade preceding that, too.

[Clench123]

4 to 5 years

[celticsclay]

Depending on who you ask, Michael Jordan was the best player in the league at 34 years old and for, like, the entire decade preceding that, too.

This is true, but Michael Jordan would have played roughly 5 seasons less of minutes by that age. Do people totally discount the minutes thing? I don't think they are completely equivalent, but Lebron through the combination of high school, limited injuries and long playoffs runs every season has played an insane amount of minutes. I guess people are not as surprised as I was seeing him hanging around Jason Terry and Elton Brand for minutes.

[35Lewis]

I thought he was toast at the beginning of this year but he showed he's got a lot left.  The problem is he doesn't have a lot around him and he looked gassed in game 6. 

I'm gonna say 3 years and it could be earlier but I don't think its necessarily because of diminishing skills, I think it's more likely that other players begin to dominate more.  I think Anthony Davis and some others are knocking at his door.

[ImShakHeIsShaq]

The best really depends on other people too, a guy like AD could take it at some point. Now, if LBJ stays healthy, he could at least be in the convo for about 5 more seasons.

[GC003332]

0
Once Durant comes back, he will be ultra motivated to make up for the missed time.
I look for OKC to win the title next season.
Then we can talk about how many more years will Durant be the best player.

[SHAQATTACK]

Even the great Kobe finally met Father Time.

He should still be pretty superhuman  for one , maybe two years .

I can see him not as spry as he was 10 years ago. I saw signs this year of age and maintaining energy levels

He may be effective another 3-4 years , decline will speed up , no body beats Father Time.

His body has a lot of wear and tear already ,  he doesn' dunk nearly as often as he once did.

An ACL would end his reign as best on he planet ......he is too old already , would return much like Rose I think.

I think he IS the team maybe another two years ....then he has to leave to be part of a great team somewhere else , for his final decent years ...like KG did.

I see the Rockets with a good point guard being the team to beat next season.   It will take Love and Irving to do that I think

[jpotter33]

0 because he won't be able to roid up anymore next year! 

Seriously, though, I think it's only clear-cut for one or two more years at best. He's never had a major injury before, and with as many minutes as he's put in, I'm guessing one is looming before long.

[MBunge]

With most players, this is a physical question.  With LeBron, I think it might be more mental.  How is he going to handle the erosion of his abilities?

Mike

[RockinRyA]

Probably 2-4 years, although by year 3 it might not be as clear cut anymore.

[Who]

I think Anthony Davis will overtake in next 2-3 years but his team is only so-so in an uber-tough Western Conference so it'll probably be longer than that before LeBron isn't the best player playing deep into the playoffs.