LeBron James’ impact on today’s NBA raises questions from Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown

LeBron James is nearing the end of his 22nd season in the NBA and remains one of the most impactful players in the league, continuing to be a key figure with the Los Angeles Lakers. This has led Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown to raise questions about it.

“People don’t give LeBron… maybe it’s because we live in the troll era, but that man got superpowers,” Brown said during a recent conversation on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast. “At 40, it don’t even make sense.”

Jaylen then highlighted James’ physical condition. “To be able to be 6’9″… I’m 240 pounds, right now sitting here. LeBron’s gotta be 270,” he began. He then joked, prompting laughter from those present: “I wanna know if he got something else going on, you know what I mean?”

Shifting back to a more serious tone, the reigning Finals MVP pointed out some of the qualities about LeBron that most amaze him. “On top of that, the super speed, the super athleticism, he got super vision at the same time,” he said. “See the game, super intelligent, a basketball savant. Can read the floor and can be a coach on the floor, all at the same time. Who has that?”

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers collides with Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics on December 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

LeBron James’ longevity under scrutiny

Jaylen Brown isn’t the only one who has recently commented on James’ performance in his 22nd season in the league. Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal criticized today’s NBA for being too soft, as the main explanation for LeBron’s longevity.

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“Less physical,” Shaq described the current league. “Right now, you get a flagrant foul, you get fined and suspended. Guys ain’t even fouling hard anymore. Before I played, it was crazy. And even when I did, it was still physical. In the ’80s and ’90s, it was another level.”

LeBron James’ numbers in his 22nd NBA season

However, these theories about the supposed lower physicality of the league today fall short of explaining the impact LeBron James is having at 40 years old with the Los Angeles Lakers, allowing him to compete with much younger players and continue making a difference on the court.

LeBron ranks 18th in the NBA’s scoring leaders, with an impressive average of 24.5 points, second on his team, just behind Luka Doncic (27.7). Additionally, James is sixth in assists with 8.4, and averages 7.9 rebounds.