To anyone who’s watched LeBron James play within the past two weeks, the idea that he might be worn out from a summer playing for the U.S. Olympic team probably seems about as ridiculous as the idea of the Tampa Bay Rays making the World Series this year. Then again, we all know how that turned out.
From Nov. 5-8, James averaged 41 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, shooting 50 percent from the field and 44 percent from long range. Do these seem to be the stats of a tired ballplayer in need of rest? I don’t think so.
Back in September, the Cavs told LeBron to take some time off to "recharge his batteries," and stay away from the gym for a couple of weeks. This makes sense, seeing as King James is, without a doubt, the key to any Cavs run for the championship this year, as was the case each of the three previous seasons.
There is no question King James can rise to the occasion of trying to take the entire team on his back and sprinting full tilt towards the postseason—at least for now. But how long can he continue to put out the kinds of numbers he has been without taking a breather now and then?
The answer is simple. He can’t. This is why those situations where LeBron is off the floor, or intentionally hanging back to let his teammates take control are crucial to the team, as well as James’ longevity.
The only way the Cavaliers can hope to keep James from wearing out and bring a title to Cleveland is to play like a complete team at all times.
They need to stop having occasions where it seems as if the other players are just LeBron’s supporting crew, all watching in awe as he attempts to do it all on his own. If they can do that, there is no telling what they can accomplish.
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about 1 month ago
Great article Robert! Way to start off at B/R!
about 1 month ago
LBJ23 will never be tired, out of shape, or lacking energy...He is a god among men and will continue to transcend the game for years to come!
Great article.
about 1 month ago
Nice article bro.....is this 'Bron 'Brons MVP year?
from about 1 month ago
If "'Bron 'Bron" stays healthy and keeps up the level of play he's been putting out then I think they'll hand him the MVP on a silver platter (figuretively of course but you never know)
about 1 month ago
Great write up. I don't think Lebron can keep it up for much longer, but who knows, he definitely has the talent to keep up.
about 1 month ago
If anyone thinks the Olypics held guys back gimme a break! Not only did the US olympians get a huge jump-start into the season (Bosh, Wade, Kidd, Paul, Howard) but look at the euro guys. Especially the Spaniards both Gasols, Calderon, Fernandez. Bogut and Yao started well too. It's not like these NBA guys aren't playing hoops all summer. This isnt the 1940s NFL. The Olympians are just playing at a higher level, thus getting better prepared for the season.
from about 1 month ago
Of course the guys who played in the Olympics should be much sharper at this point in the season. They continued to maintain their NBA timing and rhythm throughout much of the summer. The big issue will be towards the end of the season, when the many late nights, banging and bruising games, and tough travel schedules begin to take their toll.
By playing throughout the summer at such a competitive level, such players will end up going nearly 18 months (from the start of season 2007-08 to the end of season 2008-09) without a substantial rest. Players who enjoyed a significant rest over the summer, and who by the end of the season will have regained their game rhythm, will have fresher legs and likely finish the season stronger.
With top athletes, you need to worry about achieving your peak level of performance at the right time. An argument could be made that a lot of the Olympic competitors are peaking now. Where they will be physically and emotionally around playoff time may be someplace quite different. Burnout may be a high probability for such players.
@Robert: Thanks for the interesting article.
about 1 month ago
First of all, how a can team even think of going anywhere if they dont have they right tools to win? Lebron James cannot carry his team to the Finals, the Eastern Conference has stepped up and their are teams out their that are just simply better than the Cavs this season. They are in need of a shooting guard that can be consistent for them the entire season...someone like Mickael Pietrus. Other than that, nice article.
from about 1 month ago
I agree 100%. I'm just saying he's gonna TRY to take them on his back to the finals. But the other guys got step it up to make it happen.
about 1 month ago
LeBron has playing basketball, almost 3 years straight, considering his 2007 trip to the NBA Finals up through now. Of course he's tired. And it's only going to get worse, unfortunately, so I am all for allowing him 'a pass' on this dilemma.
Just as long as we apply the pass, equally, to Kobe's circumstance as well once the Kobe-haters get hungry for criticisms.
about 1 month ago
my god....the Lebron hate never stopsl...To the Brandon who posted above me....Lebron cannot carry his team to the finals? Really?...How about an 06 finals appearance with no body....the Cavs were a Paul Pierce game of his life away from going again last year...and this year? They're friggin 8-2 with wins...#1 ranked team in the league according to NBA.com. Try again
from about 1 month ago
It's true, LeBron is about as capable of carrying a team as it gets in the NBA but he's not Superman. He needs talent around him to help carry the load. The Cavs have it, the only question is whether they can utilize it along with LeBron.
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