[WizardofOzParticipant]

…has lost a significant part of his athleticism. And I’m not basing this just on the game tonight.

Remember all those regular season chokes with him failing to finish plays in the halfcourt? Dude has lost his explosiveness and has really been struggling to finish at the rim in the half court. When was the last time you saw him dunking in the half court in trafic?

The Bulls were switching on him all night long. Sending Gibson, Asik even Boozer on him and he was not able to beat them off the dribble and finish at the rim. He was shooting jumpshots all the time. Imagine having Boozer switch on Rose and trying to stop his dribble penetration…..yeah.

Also, his blocks number was his career low, seems like he can not chase people and block them from behind like he use to.

Still a spectacular athlete though and one of the best in the league, especially(and only) in the open court.

Not sure if thread worthy, but this is real talk.

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

Yeah, he got that Josh Smith syndrome.  They got too muscular and big, to a point where they lost some athleticism.  I was talking to my friend about this just the other day. 

He used to get isolations and attack the basket.  Now he gets isolations and shoots jumpers.

[M-DYMESParticipant]

Real talk straight out the bull’s ass.  Dude still has the athleticism, he has merely matured as a player and now looks to be the faciliator on the Heat since they currently lack one.  He is trying to get other’s involved instead of forcing the issue.  This is typically smart, but when your LBJ idk if that is the case. 

[WizardofOzParticipant]

"Real talk straight out the bull’s ass. Dude still has the athleticism, he has merely matured as a player and now looks to be the faciliator on the Heat since they currently lack one. He is trying to get other’s involved instead of forcing the issue. This is typically smart, but when your LBJ idk if that is the case."

I’m just going by what I see. Last night, even when the Bulls bigs were switched on him, he couldn’t even get past them. I’ve noticed this since the playoffs started, and has turned mainly into a jumpshooter. I was watching videos of him from a few years ago, and he looked quicker and more explosive then he does now. Whether he’s gained too much weight, wear and tear, etc, he’s not as quick or explosive as he used to be. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still a top-flight athlete, but I just don’t think he has the abilty do dominate games like he used to.

[ZeroParticipant]

 That’s what you get when you spend $170,000 at the club…

[M-DYMESParticipant]

I agree that last night he was not at its finest…but think about it.  Dude has to be tired.  He and Wade have been carrying this squad all season long, and now have to be playing damn near 48 minutes every game b/c of the incapabilites of the Heat squad when neither are on the floor. 

Also as I said, i think he is tryin to handle additional responsibilities to other players as he is going to need them as the games progress.  Wade is having a hell of a run and part of that is LBJ’s willingness to allow him to takeover. 

But I do agree, he does need to put a hold on gaining weight.  There is a point where you become to big to play at maximum efficiency and he is approaching that quickly.

[nateoak10Participant]

 hes to strong now, he has put on too much weight 

[Im Your FatherParticipant]

 I’m a Lebron fan and I agree. I don’t think it’s age or wear and tear, I think the guy has just put on too much weight and it has affected his quickness. He needs to drop 10 pounds this off season.

[BasterdInABasketParticipant]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7SLpgCI2gA

[UofAxWildcatsParticipant]

 he has gotten older so isnt that what happens? i mean he isnt 22 anymore

[KayjayParticipant]

So…hmmmm lets see, he changes his game to make himself overall better, and all of a sudden he’s lost explosiveness? You do deserve your own opinion but I’m tellin you right now, you are having delusions of grandure.

[JJeff6Participant]

U of A

He is still too young to be slowing down.  Hes only 26, if anything he should be at the bulk of his career athletically wise, as hes entering his true prime years.  I just agree with all of the people up top. He has accumulated too much muscle mass and it is weighing him down a little, that and the fact that he has become a more mature basketball player, and I gaurentee you, if he continues to not be so agressive down low and bang his body up too much, watch out, as his longevity could be better than everyone thinks

 

[OhCanada-Participant]

Why doesnt he just slim down and play PG. I really dont get it, if he was at 245-255 he would be great for that PG role. Right now he looks to be near that 270 range at least. Funny thing is this is no excuse, gimme a break he is still arguably the most athletic player in the game today despite the added weight. The Heat lose those types of games because teams like the Bulls have good man to man defenders, and great help when the man to man guys get beaten. Lebron and Wade get keyed in on, and eventually exhausted by just beating the first line of defenders, then they have to take on Noah, Gibson, Asik, and carry the teams offense at the same time.

The Heat have a very slim margin of error. Every night they need to have 2 players play like Superstars, and they need the bench to play much better then thier overall talent to win in a half court oriented game. If they dont consistantly get stops, rebound, and get out on the break they will lose.

Im just hoping I get my dream Finals showdown, Thunder vs. Bulls.

[NYK2010Participant]

Lost athleticism don’t know about that, I think he is tired its a long season.

Definately he should trim down some, he won’t be playing at PF much next season with Bosh or Haslem either.

He’s only 26, maybe its that he’s gone up against some quality defenders in Iguodala, Pierce and Deng during the playoffs.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

He’s strong/powerful and fast once he gets a full head of steam, but he’s not as explosive. His first step isn’t as quick anymore either. He’s too heavy.

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