Deconstructing LeBron James

“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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