Can LBJ be the TB12 of the NBA?

Gem10collection · 07-25-2021, 04:27 AM

If Tom Brady and Drew Brees can play NFL football into their 40’s… and win! Why couldn’t LeBron? Shoot, even MJ was playing efficient basketball almost to 40 and he wasn’t even trying (he just wanted the ownership stake!).

I don’t know, I just remember how many times people wrote off Brady and said he was done, and the dude just kept coming back - I think LBJ can do the same. Obviously, who knows. But couldn’t LBJ just play another five or six years and maybe sneak in another title or two? Let’s not forget, he was on his way to league MVP when he got hurt (understandable after the quick turnaround).

regularp · 07-25-2021, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gem10collection

If Tom Brady and Drew Brees can play NFL football into their 40’s… and win! Why couldn’t LeBron? Shoot, even MJ was playing efficient basketball almost to 40 and he wasn’t even trying (he just wanted the ownership stake!).

I don’t know, I just remember how many times people wrote off Brady and said he was done, and the dude just kept coming back - I think LBJ can do the same. Obviously, who knows. But couldn’t LBJ just play another five or six years and maybe sneak in another title or two? Let’s not forget, he was on his way to league MVP when he got hurt (understandable after the quick turnaround).

Just some fun thinking.

First, he wasn't winning MVP last season. Giannis was the clear favorite and the MVP vote reflected that. Better numbers across the board in fewer minutes, on the team with the best record in the league without anybody nearly as good as Anthony Davis on his squad. Giannis won DPOY year too. The MVP race wasn't close.

You need athleticism much more in the NBA than you do to play quarterback in the NFL, especially with the way the rules protect QBs. There is no shot LeBron is dominating the NBA into his 40s. Could he still be very effective? I have no doubt but to expect him to be even a top-15 player is quite a stretch.

Physically, I've always thought Karl Malone was his closest comparison (body wise, not athletically) and The Mailman aged very gracefully in his final seasons.

shootit · 07-25-2021, 06:29 AM

not wit a 4-6 finals record lol

Gem10collection · 07-25-2021, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by regularp

First, he wasn't winning MVP last season. Giannis was the clear favorite and the MVP vote reflected that. Better numbers across the board in fewer minutes, on the team with the best record in the league without anybody nearly as good as Anthony Davis on his squad. Giannis won DPOY year too. The MVP race wasn't close.

You need athleticism much more in the NBA than you do to play quarterback in the NFL, especially with the way the rules protect QBs. There is no shot LeBron is dominating the NBA into his 40s. Could he still be very effective? I have no doubt but to expect him to be even a top-15 player is quite a stretch.

Physically, I've always thought Karl Malone was his closest comparison (body wise, not athletically) and The Mailman aged very gracefully in his final seasons.

Good points! Though I will say he was absolutely in the MVP race before the injury.

One thing, with the advances in human health since the days of the Mailman and as evidenced by Brady, couldn't we say LBJ is a top 15 player for at least a few more years?

jcardstore · 07-25-2021, 07:32 AM

There is no comparison between super star NBA players and NFL QBs. There are so many rules in place to protect QBs all they have to do is stand there and throw.

Brady barely even moves.

Lebron is running miles per game, jumping like crazy… etc so many more chances to blow an ACL or sprain your ankle or whatever

Deadshot · 07-25-2021, 07:58 AM

I'm rooting for LeBron, but he's already logged over 61k minutes between regular season/playoffs. As others have stated, it appears to be harder to play basketball at an old age than it is with other sports.

oldgoldy97 · 07-25-2021, 08:03 AM

Once he starts the LBJ6 method...

bloodwings19 · 07-25-2021, 08:18 AM

Aging = longer to heal injuries. Ofc Lebron can play up to Brady's age, but any injury takes longer to heal when you get older. They said Brady played with a torn MCL, in basketball in any positions you can't play with that injury. QB (Brady) and PK (A.Vinateri) are over 20+ year players, positions that don't require running and juking. And when you get older, your eyes are fading away and less precise which affects shooting jumpers. If Lebron is serious in riding bicycles, he can still achieve many productive seasons. Riding bicycles improves stamina and motion skills. In basketball history, Lebron faces tough challenges because Kobe and Jordan wasn't dominant over the age of 40. Ant Davis may help him, but if he keeps in and out of lineup every year, I have doubts on Bron Bron.

Hellcat · 07-25-2021, 08:21 AM

LeBron will never be on Brady’s level. You too pick another player to compare him too. What Brady has done will never be done in our lifetime.

Gem10collection · 07-25-2021, 08:34 AM

Man, getting some really good counterpoints here - I like it!

Ok, I'll add a few more incentives for LBJ;

1: Every season he plays for a team will probably make him an extra $40m-$50m - hard to walk away from.
2: Bronny might make the team in the not too distant future.
3: LA is the biggest draw for any star player available over the next few years (Dame, Zion, Luka, Beal, etc.).
4: If (huge IF) he can do it, maaannnn, now, just like Brady, we really might have to call him the GOAT. No one thought it was possible until Brady did it.

RogerGodahell · 07-25-2021, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcardstore

There is no comparison between super star NBA players and NFL QBs. There are so many rules in place to protect QBs all they have to do is stand there and throw.

Brady barely even moves.

Lebron is running miles per game, jumping like crazy… etc so many more chances to blow an ACL or sprain your ankle or whatever

Ahh...i guess you never saw the 2007 SB? Brady took an absolute beating that game. Justin Tuck said "we thought we broke him in half, but he kept getting up."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y88yirhXOBk

NBA players are pretty protected as well. They call a foul if you breath on someone.

Brady has taken way more punishment and pain over the years than LeBron ever has. Broken ribs, broken fingers, torn ACL, torn MCL. LeBron's not playing with broken ribs.

SupermanBrandon · 07-25-2021, 10:07 AM

Better question: If you combine TB12 & LB23/6...do they even come close to Air Jordan? Short Answer: Nope!

packman80 · 07-25-2021, 10:08 AM

No chance. He does not love the game that much. He went to LA so he could set up a acting career once he's retired. He already cares for doing more off the court then on the court. Brady he loves to compete and try to win titles that's what drives him to stay in the shape he is in.

Ferg1945 · 07-25-2021, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gem10collection

Man, getting some really good counterpoints here - I like it!

Ok, I'll add a few more incentives for LBJ;

1: Every season he plays for a team will probably make him an extra $40m-$50m - hard to walk away from.
2: Bronny might make the team in the not too distant future.
3: LA is the biggest draw for any star player available over the next few years (Dame, Zion, Luka, Beal, etc.).
4: If (huge IF) he can do it, maaannnn, now, just like Brady, we really might have to call him the GOAT. No one thought it was possible until Brady did it.

1. He makes more than enough money off the court. Once retired he can put more time into that.
2. He is scheduled to be apart of the 2023 Draft Class.... Would he force the Lakers to draft him or move to the team that drafts him so they can play together? Is Bronny even good? High school is a different animal. If he goes to Duke, Kentucky or Kansas... He might be the Cam Reddish to Zion and Barrett on one of those teams. Great player...but the team has better players. I know LeBron wants to play with Bronny...his body might tell him something different.
3. Who knows if Lakers even keep him around that long. Injuries can play a big part...for him and AD. A couple more early exits with injuries and Lakers might move on.
4. Never gonna be the G.O.A.T. that belongs to that guy that wore #23 for the Chicago Bulls.

boston12 · 07-25-2021, 10:38 AM

Please don’t ever use Tom Brady and Lebron in the same sentence.

Zedlaw · 07-25-2021, 10:39 AM

Watching Chris Paul, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Lebron James this year. I don’t think basketball players age anymore. Curry looks like he’s just entering his physical prime. I have no doubt we will start seeing 40 year old players more regularly

Zedlaw · 07-25-2021, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boston12

Please don’t ever use Tom Brady and Lebron in the same sentence.

Why not, they seem fairly comparable. Different sports and Lebron is asked to carry way more of the team weight obliviously. But for being great and having sustained success at their crafts. It seems like a strong comparison.

rifleman69 · 07-25-2021, 10:45 AM

Lebron won't play as a role player...once he's done being "The Guy", he's done as an active player.

Zedlaw · 07-25-2021, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rifleman69

Lebron won't play as a role player...once he's done being "The Guy", he's done as an active player.

I also don’t believe this. Lebron the guy who’s criticized for not taking the last shot now won’t play if he’s not the dude. I can see him retiring if he’s forced into playing as a big and not quick enough to guard the perimeter. Does he want to keep going if it means banging down low exclusively. If he’s able to play his current position on defense, he’ll always be one of the better playmakers on the floor and age isn’t taking that away. Scoring himself was never his main goal. I don’t think we’ll see a 40 year old Lebron on a bad team but I can see a 40 year old Lebron as a role player on a good team.

hermanotarjeta · 07-25-2021, 11:03 AM

No, but he could be the Phil mickelson of the nba. Manboobs and all.

oldgoldy97 · 07-25-2021, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rifleman69

Lebron won't play as a role player...once he's done being "The Guy", he's done as an active player.

Correct. His ego won’t let him. He’ll transition right into the GM roll he holds currently but with the official title.

Hilton · 07-25-2021, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shootit

not wit a 4-6 finals record lol

I agree what a pathetic finals record!!

Hilton · 07-25-2021, 11:09 AM

4. Never gonna be the G.O.A.T. that belongs to that guy that wore #23 for the Chicago Bulls.[/QUOTE]

I agree Jordan 6-0 finals record>Lebron pathetic 4-6 finals record.

Ross · 07-25-2021, 11:22 AM

I’ve always though lebron could settle into a Karl Malone off ball role and still get 20-25 a game…. No one can take him on the block period. So IMO he can play as long as he wants.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

tjforce · 07-25-2021, 11:37 AM

Kareem played until he was 41. Certainly LeBron could play 5 years from now if he was willing to settle for 26 mins a game and 12 points, with 5-6 assists (provided he avoids major injury).

Like Ross said, if he wants to slow down a bit a play more of a power forward role, that could help him last a bit longer.

07-25-2021, 04:27 AM	#1
Gem10collection Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Posts: 789	Can LBJ be the TB12 of the NBA? If Tom Brady and Drew Brees can play NFL football into their 40’s… and win! Why couldn’t LeBron? Shoot, even MJ was playing efficient basketball almost to 40 and he wasn’t even trying (he just wanted the ownership stake!). I don’t know, I just remember how many times people wrote off Brady and said he was done, and the dude just kept coming back - I think LBJ can do the same. Obviously, who knows. But couldn’t LBJ just play another five or six years and maybe sneak in another title or two? Let’s not forget, he was on his way to league MVP when he got hurt (understandable after the quick turnaround). Last edited by Gem10collection; 12-18-2021 at 10:35 PM.

07-25-2021, 07:32 AM	#5
jcardstore Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 22,210 Jcardstore	There is no comparison between super star NBA players and NFL QBs. There are so many rules in place to protect QBs all they have to do is stand there and throw. Brady barely even moves. Lebron is running miles per game, jumping like crazy… etc so many more chances to blow an ACL or sprain your ankle or whatever __________________ Just moonwalking through hell on my last brain cell

07-25-2021, 07:58 AM	#6
Deadshot Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 7,694	I'm rooting for LeBron, but he's already logged over 61k minutes between regular season/playoffs. As others have stated, it appears to be harder to play basketball at an old age than it is with other sports. __________________ He said he name was “E”, so I introduced myself as “G”...The license plate said “IMNBITZ” or “IMNBISZ” or something. - G YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPuD3WYJ0rkpLqDdyavC2WA

07-25-2021, 08:03 AM	#7
oldgoldy97 Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 52,921	Once he starts the LBJ6 method... __________________ Truly riveting discussion: that’s what your wife/girlfriend/sheep said.

07-25-2021, 11:22 AM	#24
Ross Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 2,476	I’ve always though lebron could settle into a Karl Malone off ball role and still get 20-25 a game…. No one can take him on the block period. So IMO he can play as long as he wants. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ NONE

07-25-2021, 06:29 AM	#3
shootit Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Posts: 744	not wit a 4-6 finals record lol

07-25-2021, 08:18 AM	#8
bloodwings19 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 3,019	Aging = longer to heal injuries. Ofc Lebron can play up to Brady's age, but any injury takes longer to heal when you get older. They said Brady played with a torn MCL, in basketball in any positions you can't play with that injury. QB (Brady) and PK (A.Vinateri) are over 20+ year players, positions that don't require running and juking. And when you get older, your eyes are fading away and less precise which affects shooting jumpers. If Lebron is serious in riding bicycles, he can still achieve many productive seasons. Riding bicycles improves stamina and motion skills. In basketball history, Lebron faces tough challenges because Kobe and Jordan wasn't dominant over the age of 40. Ant Davis may help him, but if he keeps in and out of lineup every year, I have doubts on Bron Bron.

07-25-2021, 08:21 AM	#9
Hellcat Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Posts: 2,451	LeBron will never be on Brady’s level. You too pick another player to compare him too. What Brady has done will never be done in our lifetime.

07-25-2021, 08:34 AM	#10
Gem10collection Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Posts: 789	Man, getting some really good counterpoints here - I like it! Ok, I'll add a few more incentives for LBJ; 1: Every season he plays for a team will probably make him an extra $40m-$50m - hard to walk away from. 2: Bronny might make the team in the not too distant future. 3: LA is the biggest draw for any star player available over the next few years (Dame, Zion, Luka, Beal, etc.). 4: If (huge IF) he can do it, maaannnn, now, just like Brady, we really might have to call him the GOAT. No one thought it was possible until Brady did it.

07-25-2021, 10:07 AM	#12
SupermanBrandon Banned Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: TN Posts: 15,843	Better question: If you combine TB12 & LB23/6...do they even come close to Air Jordan? Short Answer: Nope!

07-25-2021, 10:08 AM	#13
packman80 Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 17,356	No chance. He does not love the game that much. He went to LA so he could set up a acting career once he's retired. He already cares for doing more off the court then on the court. Brady he loves to compete and try to win titles that's what drives him to stay in the shape he is in.

07-25-2021, 10:38 AM	#15
boston12 Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 3,283	Please don’t ever use Tom Brady and Lebron in the same sentence.

07-25-2021, 10:39 AM	#16
Zedlaw Member Join Date: May 2019 Posts: 1,385	Watching Chris Paul, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Lebron James this year. I don’t think basketball players age anymore. Curry looks like he’s just entering his physical prime. I have no doubt we will start seeing 40 year old players more regularly

07-25-2021, 10:45 AM	#18
rifleman69 Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Space Mountain Posts: 3,534	Lebron won't play as a role player...once he's done being "The Guy", he's done as an active player.

07-25-2021, 11:03 AM	#20
hermanotarjeta Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 23,155	No, but he could be the Phil mickelson of the nba. Manboobs and all.

07-25-2021, 11:09 AM	#23
Hilton Member Join Date: Dec 2020 Posts: 166	4. Never gonna be the G.O.A.T. that belongs to that guy that wore #23 for the Chicago Bulls.[/QUOTE] I agree Jordan 6-0 finals record>Lebron pathetic 4-6 finals record.

07-25-2021, 11:37 AM	#25
tjforce Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 23,667	Kareem played until he was 41. Certainly LeBron could play 5 years from now if he was willing to settle for 26 mins a game and 12 points, with 5-6 assists (provided he avoids major injury). Like Ross said, if he wants to slow down a bit a play more of a power forward role, that could help him last a bit longer. __________________ "Whether you like it or not, learn to love it, because it’s the best thing going. Wooooo!"