How is LeBron James still dominating at 37!?

How has LeBron James been able to maintain such a high level of play for so long? This detailed film room study examines how LeBron has evolved and changed over the years, going back to his first 50-point game in 2005 in Cleveland, through his MVP years, the Heatles in Miami, his return to Cleveland to today in Los Angeles. What skills has he added and lost over time? How have changes in the league affected his impact? And how has moving to center helped him?

Twitter: @elgee35

Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.

Stats courtesy:
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Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.

Music by Alter Ego (Lost)

#ThinkingBasketball

[Alex-kdxc]

I don’t think LeBron gets enough credit for transforming his game through the years and always adding more tools to his bag. He didn’t always have a jump shot like the one he has now. He used to rely almost entirely on athleticism, now he relies more on strength/positioning. He used to not have a post game, he developed that in Miami. This isn’t even taking into account his ability to pass. It’s rare to see someone with that kind of potential actually REACH it by constantly evolving as a player.

[hopoff]

I really like Bron at the 5, but I think the real magic is him at the 4, where his aging athleticism is less apparent as well as not being taxed so much on defense, as he struggles against true centers.

[davidwhite]

I’ll never forget when Isiah Thomas said Magic Johnson would be a 5 in today’s NBA. The panel laughed at him. But watching Lebrun do it shows a good visual of what Zeke was trying to say!

[CM-ntvh]

I like how you include plays that don’t always result in a basket. It reminds me that the game is not decided by highlights, but consistently doing the right thing.

[Syncratci]

Insane how he's fine tuned his game as he's gotten older. From a physical freak to a guy that's just incredibly an skilled scorer and playmaker.

[soogasooga]

the ironic thing about Lebron and Russ being on the same team is that they are almost polar opposites when it comes to adjusting their games to maximize their strengths and minimize their weaknesses.

[Jeff_x]

It’s CRAZY to see an athlete in any sport play at THIS high of a level in their 19th Season.

[balltalkdeep]

Lebron's adaptability is insane and witnessing the evolution of his game since 2003 has been a wonderful journey to watch

[chrismartinez]

Man this makes me realize how much I’m really going to miss him when he’s gone. You just don’t get to see players like him come around often

[cheflev]

What’s funny is that Lebron at “Center” is not a new thing. He has been doing this almost his whole career. He did this in Miami when their only true center was BirdMan Anderson and or Chris Bosh. Then he did the same thing with the Cavs the 2nd time. Remember lineups featuring Channing Frye at “center” who was just a stretch forward or K-love at “center”. They all played pick and pop and just spaced the floor. Playing Bron with 5 out lineups has been deadly, that’s the true common denominator. The only difference now is that Bron has to guard centers, which he can do effectively in limited minutes but not he whole game, especially at age 37. Still what he is doing is truly phenomenal!

[Infinityflow]

Lebron's defense shines in a good team with a coherent system. He is still an incredible help defender when engaged with his ability to cut passing lanes, cover the weakside, and relay commands. The decline in his lateral agility would not be as significant since he would know where to shuttle defenders if he had a better defensive roster, ala 2020 lakers. Unfortunately given his offensive workload and his age, he conserves energy defensively which gives way for some terrible defensive lapses.

[s]

11:47 that is ridiculous at 37. I could still remember that crazy catch in 2010 when his shoulder was at the same level as the rim.

[LurtzLurtz]

LeBron transmitted from being assist league leader as native PG to one of the most lethal rim finishers as starting C in less than 2 years. That's some crazy shit right there

[bojanbad]

19 seasons, and still going strong. That's a lot of work, dedication and control. If not the best athlete this century. Created a bar to which others will compare to for decades.

[wallaccefan]

"Even Luke Skywalker would be impressed with hitting a target that small."

You know who would be even MORE impressed? Anakin Skywalker.

[uzu]

thought we saw all the best versions of Bron already but 37 year old Bron is INSANE

[siphillis]

How could anyone have predicted that LeBron would not only live up to the hype as one of the greatest players ever, but also as arguably the more durable and versatile too? All the other greats played their way until their body gave out. LeBron keeps reinventing himself to match his present athleticism. It's without equal.

[tariqpittman]

It’s impressive that LeBron can do this still but it’s very bittersweet seeing how bad the lakers team is from top to bottom. That also includes him in the faults of it as well.

[maxavierbenitez]

easily one of the best basketball channels on youtube

[gd-lockc]

You outline it perfectly. Bron was/is a physical beast, who’s knowledge of the game and dedication to his craft allows him to adapt to anything. Whether it be the league rules, his team structure, the nature of the game. An ever evolving symbiote