Some believe that LeBron James experienced his best play with the Miami Heat, but that may not be correct. Here’s why.
“Like wine, I just get better with time.”
I can’t pinpoint where that quote originated, but in the case of LeBron James, it seems to be one that he could have penned himself. Not only because he happens to be a wine connoisseur, but because he may be playing the best basketball of his life right now.
It’s been a full four seasons now since James left as a member of the Miami Heat to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and it appears that he’s only gotten better.
In order to understand why James may be at his best right now, you have to understand and believe that a player (any player) goes through three phases of their career: Physical, Mental, and a blend of the two.
The Physical stage usually ranges from ages 18-25, when a player is at the apex of his physical ability. He runs his fastest, jumps his highest, and has more stamina and durability. These are the years when a player relies most on his physical youth and prowess to navigate the early stages of his career.
Then there’s the stage when both the Physical apex and Mental apex meet, which generally happens between the ages of 25-31. This is when a player both grows into his body and has an advanced level of understanding for the game of basketball. This stage is when James made his trip down to Miami to play with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
In other words, he was still a physical freak, but had also gotten better at understanding the game of basketball better than ever.
Which brings us to the present time: the Mental stage.
This can be best described as anything after the age of 32, when the body slows down considerably but the mind achieves almost a mastery level of the game. So although James is still a physical nightmare, it’s not the same that it was even four years ago.
However, the mental stage is generally my favorite stage of basketball, because it tends to separate good players from great players and great players from the immortals. Since leaving Miami and transitioning into the mental stage, James is almost operating as a God of Basketball.
Typically, in year 15 of any career, there’s a noticeable drop off between what a player was and what he currently is. Look no further than the case of Carmelo Anthony, who seems like a shell of what he used to be.
But for James, like the wine mentioned earlier, he’s found a way to get better.
For two seasons in a row, he’s achieved career highs in statistical categories (last season, he set a career-high in rebounds per game with 8.6 and actually tied that mark this season as well, while also setting a career-high in assists per game, with 9.1). That assist per game number was aided by the fact that he played in 82 games in a season for the first time ever.
Where James has really improved since his time in Miami, is his ability to manipulate defenses and control basketball games from start to finish. He dictates defensive matchups and rotations not just for his benefit, but to manufacture better shots for his teammates.
He’s also improved as a leader, in terms of being able to succeed without advantageous talent on his roster. After taking criticism for “forcing” Kyrie Irving to Boston and not meshing well with Isaiah Thomas and others acquired this past offseason, it was believed he wouldn’t be able to get through.
He’s also taken heat for the last few seasons for “pacing” himself during the regular season. But what that allows for him to do is have the energy to play major minutes come playoff time and not drop off in production, or even improve in certain areas.
His basketball IQ has been extraordinary since day one, but watching how he always seems to be in control is a joy to watch.
After 15 years and over 50,000 combined NBA minutes, there’s not much time left for LeBron James period, but especially playing at the level he is giving us right now.
Next: Miami Heat Offensive Intervention: Wayne Ellington's payday
But if his affinity for wine is any indication, he’s going to find a way to improve going forward as well; maybe even in a Miami Heat uniform again.