“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.
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