Although LeBron James is having a solid season at the age of 40, his stellar performances are behind him. He remains a force in the league, but his peak years are past. LeBron made his mark early with the Cleveland Cavaliers. While he did not win a championship during his first stint with the franchise, he did secure two MVP awards. However, DeMar DeRozan believes LeBron showed an even more dominant version in his career.
“2012, bro, we always say first Cleveland, Miami, second Cleveland. I always tell people, ‘Miami Bron,’ Oh My God!…He was shooting like 55 percent from the field. He running past your favorite, your fastest point guard, dunking, jumping over people,” stated DeRozan on the Run Your Race podcast.
Before LeBron’s arrival in Miami, the Heat had endured a six-year championship drought. But in his second season, LeBron led the team to a title. He was a dominant force on both ends of the floor. That year, he won his third MVP award. His performance in the Finals also earned him Finals MVP honors. LeBron’s contributions were crucial in the decisive moments of the series, making him the clear leader in Miami’s championship run.
Even David Fizdale, LeBron James’ then-assistant head coach, struggled to find words for his legendary Game 6 performance against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals: “That was his moment of, ‘Yeah, I’m the greatest player in this league and I’m not letting anybody get in my way of a title.’ We just knew right then…I don’t know what you would call it, but he just went inside himself. … ’Bron was just as calm as I’ve ever seen him.”
Could the 2016 version of LeBron James beat Anthony Edwards? NBA player DeMar DeRozan gives blunt answer
LeBron James has gone through many professional metamorphoses during his career. However, one of his most dominant versions emerged in Cleveland. It happened during his second stint with the Cavaliers, especially in 2016. That year, he combined leadership, physicality, and clutch performances at an elite level.
Due to Anthony Edwards’ breakout season within Minnesota Timberwolves, many often compare him to James. Some even claim the young star could overpower the NBA veteran. However, DeMar DeRozan firmly rejects that narrative giving an interesting explanation.
“I told somebody this the other day like when they was playin’ in the series…They was talkin’ about Bron can’t get it done, Ant (Anthony Edwards) beatin’ ’em. I remember tellin’ a group of people, I said, ‘Most these wouldn’t stand a chance vs. a 2016 Bron.’… People forget the man been doin’ this 22 years man. Somethin’ we never seen in no sport. To be able to dominate this long as he has,” DeRozan said, via Run Your Race podcast.