With LeBron playing more power forward it should mean a higher rebounding average and he might join the list of the most versatile players in basketball history with averages of over 20 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists per game. Right now the only player on that list is Larry Bird. James won ' t have any trouble keeping his scoring average above 20 and unless a balldominating point guard joins James he should maintain his assists numbers which are just under 7 assists per game for his career so far. James averaged 8 rebounds per game in 2012- 13 and if Miami continues with Bosh at center and someone like Miller or Battier at the other forward spot James could be getting double-figures rebounds in the future.
Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson came close to the remarkable 20, 10 and 6 averages during their careers. LeBron James can be compared to them for how he plays the game but in one aspect he is ahead of them as they needed a superstar center to win titles while LeBron didn ' t. Robertson didn ' t win until he was traded to Milwaukee where Kareem was, and Magic played most of his career with Kareem and didn’ t win after Abdul-Jabbar retired. While the position on the court hasn ' t been the same, there are parallels for how LeBron is improving his game just like Magic did. Johnson worked to add range to his shot during his career, but LeBron improved more quickly. Johnson also played different positions when his team needed it. LeBron has probably played the different spots more often because Magic would play the majority of his game at point guard.
When it comes to comparing LeBron against scorers like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, there used to be one thing that LeBron lacked and that was a killer instinct. James is bigger, stronger, and a better passer and rebounder, but until recently he didn ' t match them for being as intense and focused on destroying the other team.
When statistics are looked at, Michael Jordan ' s best season may have been in 1988-89 when he led the league in scoring with 32.5 points per game and also averaged 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Jordan ' s career-highs for rebounds and assists are similar to what James has averaged for his entire career. While Jordan and Bryant and other players like George Gervin and Adrian Dantley, could put up more points than LeBron, that actually shows how LeBron is an unselfish player and that is an important attribute for a winning player to have.
LeBron James is comparable to or better than nearly all other NBA superstars. Except for Wilt, although if James really tried he might get close to 100 points in a game. The only number that James will be measured by at the end of his career, to rank him among the all-time greats, is total NBA titles and in a few years if everything goes to plan for the Heat there may only be Bill Russell and Sam Jones ahead of him on that list.
The scary thing for the other NBA teams is that LeBron may only be halfway through his career. When he eventually retires it is likely that the hatred that erupted when he left Cleveland will just be a minor footnote in his career. Right now LeBron has the third highest scoring average in NBA history, and by the time his career comes to an end he could be in the top three for total points which would put him above Michael Jordan. James has won back many of the fans who disagreed with his infamous decision to leave Cleveland and as time goes on will probably win back nearly all of them.
Sports Passion The Magazine | 18 August 2013 | Issue No. 1