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Cleveland Cavaliers: Ranking each version of LeBron James

By Tony Pesta

SACRAMENTO, CA - DECEMBER 23: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers takes a break from the action during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 23, 2009 at Arco Arena in Sacramento, California. The Cavaliers won 117-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - DECEMBER 23: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers takes a break from the action during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 23, 2009 at Arco Arena in Sacramento, California. The Cavaliers won 117-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Hans Gutknecht/Digital First Media/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images)
(Photo by Hans Gutknecht/Digital First Media/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images) /

4. Los Angeles Lakers (2018-Present)

An underwhelming introduction to show time saw LeBron James missing the postseason for the first time in nearly 15 years. Though we are still in the early stages of James’ time with the Los Angeles Lakers, it has been a disappointment thus far.

Fresh off of one of his most dominant playoff runs in Cleveland where he averaged 34.0 points, 9.1 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game across 22 games, many assumed James would elevate the Lakers to championship contention.

Of course, this wasn’t the case. Due to numerous injuries and the overall inexperience of the roster, LAL fell to a 37-45 record and missed the playoffs altogether. Individually, James’ statistics were impressive as ever. On the season, James posted numbers of 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game.

To no surprise, the Lakers had a better win percentage with James in the lineup. The Lakers were above .500 with James in the game and held an overall record of 28-27. In contrast, Los Angeles won just 9-of-27 games without LBJ.

This isn’t to say that James is immune to criticism. His lackluster performance on defense is a large reason the Lakers struggled as much as they did. For the first time in his entire career, James appeared to be a detriment defensively and his leadership skills were questionable at best.

The Lakers young core dealt with trade rumors all season long. An immense amount of pressure was placed on Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart to impress James and his camp.

Overall, it was obvious that LeBron’s athleticism had decreased. He could still turn it up when necessary, but he wasn’t doing jaw-dropping plays every night anymore. This was the first time we truly saw James show signs of aging.

Father time is undefeated. At 34-years of age and entering his 17th NBA season, James is human too. The decline in his game has been subtle but it is enough to place him at the bottom of our list.

It must be noted that his story in LA isn’t over yet. The Lakers have re-upped their lineup with the likes of Anthony Davis, Danny Green, Avery Bradley and Dwight Howard. This is the most impressive roster James has had since 2017.

Assuming that James is capable of playing deep into the season for multiple years, we can expect the Lakers to be championship contenders for the next few seasons. We may see James notch another title to his belt if all goes right. For now, LA-Bron finishes in last place.

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