Despite being widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history, LeBron James continues to draw criticism even as he approaches his 40th birthday. The LA Lakers superstar, who recently became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, was called out by former No. 1 draft pick Kwame Brown for failing to fully round out his offensive game. In a candid interview with Swish Cultures, Kwame Brown suggested that James’ lack of a refined mid-range and post-game leaves him vulnerable to comparison with “old-school” players.
While LeBron’s 20-year career and four NBA championships speak for themselves, Brown’s critique has ignited debate about whether James’ game lacks the offensive versatility that many of the all-time greats possessed. With the former Lakers star averaging over 25 points per game last season, some argue that Brown’s comments are misplaced. However, others see the critique as a valid reflection on the evolution of James’ career and his reliance on athleticism rather than skill development in certain areas of the court.
Kwame Brown, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, is no stranger to criticism himself. Brown’s career, spanning 12 seasons, never lived up to the high expectations that come with being a top draft pick. Nevertheless, during his interview in August, Brown was blunt about James’ perceived shortcomings, despite acknowledging LeBron’s remarkable longevity and athleticism.
“Old-school players wouldn’t have any trouble with LeBron,” Kwame Brown stated. “Because at 39, he should have developed a mid-range and a post-game, and he still hasn’t yet. He still has the athletic ability to just go 94 feet — which, I don’t know how, but he still has it.”
Kwame Brown on LeBron James:
“The old-school players wouldn’t have any trouble with LeBron because, at 39, he should have developed a mid-range and a post game, and he still hasn’t yet… His game really hasn’t evolved outside of a three and putting his head down and going to the… pic.twitter.com/F8bSdzfAPK
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 22, 2024
Brown’s comments zero in on James’ continued reliance on his athletic prowess, even as he approaches his 40th birthday. Despite being one of the most physically dominant players to ever step on an NBA court, LeBron’s mid-range game and post moves have often been a point of critique. Unlike legends such as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, who developed deadly post-game arsenals late in their careers, James has largely stuck to his bread and butter: slashing to the basket and using his sheer strength and athleticism.
While Brown’s comments have sparked controversy, many fans and analysts believe that his critique misses the mark. LeBron James is coming off a season in which he averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists over 71 games. What’s more, James has made notable improvements in his outside shooting. Last season, he knocked down 41% of his three-point attempts, marking his best season from beyond the arc.
Though Brown downplays James’ skill development, the four-time MVP has shown an ability to adapt as his physical capabilities have gradually diminished. His improved shooting touch and high basketball IQ have allowed him to remain one of the most impactful players in the league, even as his explosiveness wanes.
Still, some argue that James’ offensive game could have become more well-rounded over the years, particularly in the mid-range and post. In comparison to players like Jordan, who famously dominated from the post in his later years, James’ offensive approach has remained relatively similar since he entered the league.
Brown’s critique taps into a longstanding debate in the basketball world: how would today’s stars fare against the legends of previous eras? Brown asserts that “old-school” players wouldn’t struggle against LeBron because of his reliance on athleticism rather than skill. But this kind of argument often overlooks the unique challenges that modern players face. The pace, spacing, and physical demands of today’s NBA differ greatly from previous decades, and James has managed to adapt and dominate in ways that players from the past might not have.
James’ unparalleled basketball IQ and versatility have been cornerstones of his success. Whether operating as a point-forward, shooting threes, or finishing in transition, his game has evolved with the changing landscape of the league. For Brown, however, the question remains: why hasn’t LeBron’s mid-range and post-up game evolved in the same way?
Adding fuel to the ongoing LeBron debate, Lakers guard Austin Reaves recently chimed in on the criticisms of James, particularly surrounding the legitimacy of the 2020 NBA Bubble Championship. Some critics have dismissed the Lakers’ title, claiming that the unique conditions of the COVID-19 bubble made the championship easier to win. Reaves, however, suggested that such criticism stems from a bias against LeBron, rather than the legitimacy of the bubble itself.
“I think it’s the same as every other year. I just think if Bron doesn’t win it, nobody says anything,” Reaves remarked in an interview with BustaJack Golf. “Everybody hates Bron. Actually, everybody loves LeBron, but he gets so much hate.”
Reaves’ comments reflect a common sentiment among LeBron supporters: that the superstar forward has often been held to an impossible standard, with detractors looking for any excuse to discredit his achievements. James’ performance in the Bubble, where he averaged 27.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.8 assists, was nothing short of dominant. Yet, the debate surrounding the legitimacy of his championships persists.
Kwame Brown’s criticism of LeBron James has reignited conversations about how the all-time leading scorer’s legacy will be remembered. While it’s clear that James’ reliance on his athleticism is a hallmark of his game, it’s hard to ignore his adaptability over the years. From a developing outside shot to his elite playmaking abilities, James has shown time and again that he is far more than just an athlete who “goes 94 feet.”
As James continues to defy Father Time and put up stellar numbers at age 39, the question of how his game stacks up against the legends of the past is likely to remain. But one thing is certain: LeBron James has left an indelible mark on the NBA, whether or not his mid-range game ever truly develops.
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