LeBron James: Will he become the greatest basketball player ever?
LeBron ‘King’ James is one of the most sensational basketball players to grace a court. His combination of athleticism, size, court vision, tenacity, hustle, leadership and instinct are a package we've never seen before.
However, as with every great being, there is always a flaw that comes along. In James’ case, it all comes down to the skills, especially skills that require more practice.
This is not to say that James hasn't worked on his game. He has been one of the most committed players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). But he has probably lost his passion to improve with time.
When LeBron James emerged onto the scene in the Wine and Gold colours, defence was the worst part of his game. But the once weak ball protector has now turned into one of the elite defenders in the game.
His has been the tale of a lovable, smiling and an immensely talented young player who everyone liked.
Now perhaps the aura and the glitz of being the best basketball player in the world has taken over the mind of the prolific small forward. Over the last three seasons, his game hasn't improved much. However, spectators believe his potential seems limitless.
James, who is only in his seventh professional year, already has stature worthy enough of being compared with icons like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. There is absolutely no doubt that he can move a step further. However, major hurdles in his way are minor
kinks in his shooting arsenal.
The most obvious weakness in the two-time reigning MVP’s road to glory is his step-back jumper. In fact, James has virtually no step jumper. His footwork is all over the place when it comes to the most difficult shot in basketball. Compare this with someone
like Kobe Bryant – his jumps are the best in the league.
With Jordan and Kobe Bryant though, you feel like they have squeezed out every drop of their tremendous ability to finally emerge the champions that they are. With LeBron James, you feel like he has this tremendous reserve of talent, brilliance and court
artistry waiting to be explored; just longing to be pounced upon and utilised.
For a player of James’ calibre, he can have a better midrange jumper, improve from behind the arc and even improve at the charity stripe. For a player that gets as many fouls as he does and for a player who is so hard to guard on the ball, you'd think he
could do all three much better.
In this season, there was only one instant when LeBron James got all three right. The night when he pounded a season-high 51 points against his South Beach rivals, Orlando Magic. Imagine if he does it on a more regular basis.
But there are some things that make him just absolute.
Although many (almost all) people accuse James of being selfish for bringing his talents to the South Beach in search of a championship ring, he is exactly the opposite on the court. Being the leader of the team, rarely will James take a bad shot with an
open teammate left wandering – a trait totally opposite to Jordan and particularly Bryant. Instead, he lures the opposition defence onto him and makes the play for his teammates. It is no coincidence hence, that he leads the Miami Heat in assists by an arm’s
length.
Of course, sometimes he also loves to pasteurize the defences with some of his own fire-power.
At this juncture of his career, it seems that James has to draw a line. It’s greatness versus being the best. The king has to decide that simply being the best in the world is just not good enough; he needs to search for greatness and prove to be a player
that only he can become. If he ever hits the ceiling, he might be the greatest ever.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect bettor.com’s editorial policy.
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