“Nas is like…half man, half amazing…no doubt.”
-Nas, “Nas Is Like”
Half man, half amazing.
What better phrase can we come up with to express the talents of LeBron James.
“LeBron is like…half man, half amazing…no doubt.”
The guy is from another planet. Not unlike Tiger Woods, if we opened him up, we may see the makings of another life form.
His talents are so unique to the game of basketball that few have done before him what he does on a nightly basis. Sure, there have been guys who averaged a triple double (Oscar Robertson), physical specimens who look like they were made in a lab (hell, you could throw Corey Maggette in here), or guys with insane vision (Kidd, Nash, Stockton).
But none of the players have it all.
By deconstructing the man known as the King of the NBA, we will figure out just how he was built. What parts were taken from players before him? Where did his skill and knack for the game come from. How does he do it all with such ease?
BODY: Karl Malone
LeBron James is a big boy.
He stands 6’8, 250lbs, and is rock solid. He uses that body to abuse smaller defenders, but is also big enough and strong enough to take on larger players.
His body type is comparable to Karl Malone.
The Mailman was roughly the same height and outweighed James by a few pounds. But they are both ripped solid, and both have an instinct for the boards.
Basically, LeBron could play power forward if he wanted to.
VISION: Magic Johnson
Few had greater eyes than Magic.
He could throw a no look from anywhere on the court, and you would be sure it would connect.
LeBron doesn’t quite have the same vision as Magic Johnson, but he is getting there. Averaging 7.5 assists per game with a depleted crew around him is something to be noticed. James, too, is becoming a master of the no-look. As he better learns the ins and outs of the game, his vision will become elite.
FOOTWORK: Nate “Tiny” Archibald
Tiny was silky smooth before there was such a thing on the court.
Playing during a time of robotic-like movements, Archibald used the spin move often and let the game come to him with ultimate footwork.
LeBron James does the same thing, except he is a foot taller.
James' uncanny footwork is one of the main reasons he can do the things he does. He will break you down on the dribble, use the spin move, blow by you.
All because the feet do the talking.
ATHLETICISM: Julius Erving
Dr. J was in a class all his own in the 70’s as far as athletic ability. We say the same thing now about King James.
Few players could get to the rim, and do it with such grace, like Julius Erving. We say the same thing now about LeBron.
Dr. J would take flight from anywhere on the court and dunk it with authority. We say the same thing now about James.
Julius invented flight. He was steady in the air, and did it with an easiness few others have maintained. But LeBron James can do it as well.
He can keep up with the bigs on the glass, but can also scour the perimeter with the smaller players. His athleticism right now is unparalleled.
TAKE OVER ABILITY: Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant
These three men share something that no other players had. The ability to take over a game at anytime, in any way.
If you need a clutch three pointer to send the game to overtime, LeBron, Kobe and Mike are it. How about a strong drive to the hole? A post up jumper from the wing?
All three possessed an uncanny ability to take over a game.
During last seasons Eastern Conference Finals, LeBron stepped into new territory, scoring the final 25 points for Cleveland, and 29 of the last 30.
Never witnessed something like that?
Probably because it happens once a decade.
Sure, LeBron has passed up some big shots. But more often than not, he will take over.
And it will be over.
When you piece it all together, it is easy to see where he comes from. A little bit Tiny, a smidge from Dr. J. He was born with instincts and an ability to play the game unlike anyone we have ever seen. The crazy thing is, we might just be seeing the beginning of what is to come. At just 23 years old, he hasn’t even hit his prime.
And when he does, we will still be saying…
“Half man, half amazing.”
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7 months ago
Truth! LeBron is really half-man, half-amazing. The scariest thing about LeBron? He's only 23 years old...
7 months ago
Lebron ain't Michael Jordan!
Kobe owns Lebron. Lebron fears Kobe.
Lebron will not surpass MJ and Lebron will not surpass Kobe.
Kobe is 29 years old, yet he still dominates Lebron in every aspect of the game!
from 7 months ago
I dont think anywhere in here does it say he is Michael Jordan. Ive simply taken parts of different players that add up to what LeBron is now doing. Kobe may be slightly better one on one against LeBron...but in what ways does he dominate?
7 months ago
Kobe ain't Michael Jordan!
LeBron owns Kobe. Kobe fears LeBron.
Kobe will not surpass MJ but LeBron has now surpassed Kobe.
LeBron's only 23 years old, yet he still dominates Kobe every single time.
7 months ago
"Footwork" ?
Don't make me laugh... Lebron's footwork is still in its developing stages... his offensive arsenal is the ugliest that I have ever seen of a superstar.
7 months ago
"His athleticism right now is unparalleled." ?
Huh ??
There are other players currently in the NBA who are just as athletic as Lebron James.
Dwight Howard, Josh Smith, etc.
Lebron is very athletic... just not "unparalleled" as you so ignorantly put it.
7 months ago
U retard
7 months ago
I guess Dwight Howard knows how to use his footwork and athleticism to get to the hoop from the perimeter. I guess Josh Smith uses that footwork and athleticism to put up 30 a game and hand out 8 assists. I'm glad I could ignorantly describe how he is better than everyone else.
7 months ago
You guys are ridiculous to even compare 'Josh who?' to LeBron James... Dwight 'Lurch' Howard (as I like to call him) is savage and can compare athletically with LeBron in that he has madd hops, and he is toned as hell. But, he can't run or coordinate himself even the fraction of what LeBron does. LeBron is wayy faster! Lurch has no footwork man. I'm not saying LeBron is totally there, but Howard just Shaq's it and drives when open. That's why you see his scoring fluctuate from night to night, depending on how the defense is stacked against him. He can have 8 points or 35, you just don't know. I agree with most parts of this article and I don't think Patrick was implying that LeBron is better in every area than these other players. If you 'ignorant' fools would actually open your eyes and read what he is saying, you would see that he is pointing out some similarities he has with those other greats that, when combined, give him an unparellelled complete game... At such the young age of 23. Even if Kobe did dominate LeBron now (which I beg to differ, because LeBron's Cavs have won 5 straight against the Lakers, with LeBron dominating on offense and shutting Kobe down on defense), he is soo much younger. Think when Kobe was LeBron's age and how he would compare then! Ahahha that's amusing and ridiculous to even think about. King James is more than on pace to be the best of all time. 10,000 points last night!
7 months ago
You guys are ridiculous to even compare 'Josh who?' to LeBron James... Dwight 'Lurch' Howard (as I like to call him) is savage and can compare athletically with LeBron in that he has madd hops, and he is toned as hell. But, he can't run or coordinate himself even the fraction of what LeBron does. LeBron is wayy faster! Lurch has no footwork man. I'm not saying LeBron is totally there, but Howard just Shaq's it and drives when open. That's why you see his scoring fluctuate from night to night, depending on how the defense is stacked against him. He can have 8 points or 35, you just don't know. I agree with most parts of this article and I don't think Patrick was implying that LeBron is better in every area than these other players. If you 'ignorant' fools would actually open your eyes and read what he is saying, you would see that he is pointing out some similarities he has with those other greats that, when combined, give him an unparellelled complete game... At such the young age of 23. Even if Kobe did dominate LeBron now (which I beg to differ, because LeBron's Cavs have won 5 straight against the Lakers, with LeBron dominating on offense and shutting Kobe down on defense), he is soo much younger. Think when Kobe was LeBron's age and how he would compare then! Ahahha that's amusing and ridiculous to even think about. King James is more than on pace to be the best of all time. 10,000 points last night!
7 months ago
Lebron is an overrated ballhog, stat whore who pads his numbers by holding on to the ball for 90% of the time. He's all brute and muscle without the beautiful skills of basketball. I wouldn't be surprised if he's on Steroids. He is not the best basketball player, he is the best powerhouse player...huge difference.
He needs to involve his teammates more, and get his FG attempts to 5 less per game, at least. His assists are a natural result of holding the ball the entire time, and gets them by default. It's not a system offense. It's a run through LBJ ball-hog system. it's boring. And his defense is all passing lane gambles, and weakside blocks. His man to man defense is less than average STILL, and his lateral movement is worse now than his first season.
LBJ is NOT your MVP, nor the best player.
from 7 months ago
Yea i guess i would rather see Damon Jones throw up bricks and Wally Szczerbiak go 3-12. But thats just me.
6 months ago
LeBron is amazing, I'll give you that. I have two gripes with him though. First, he lacks a consistent jumper STILL. Secondly, he takes too many possessions off on the defensive side. Fix those, and he could very well be a top five player of all time by the time it's all said and done.
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