In his 22nd NBA season, LeBron James may finally be fighting 'Father Time,' or at least that's what the stats have shown recently.
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In a 109-80 blowout loss to the Timberwolves on Monday night, LeBron scored just 10 points on 4-of-16 shooting from the field. Furthermore, the 39-year-old also had six turnovers and finished the game with a plus/minus of -28.
With this in mind, LeBron still kept his seemingly unbreakable 'most consecutive games with 10+ points' streak alive, as he has now totaled 1,243 games in a row with double-digit points scored (January 6, 2007-present). To emphasize how crazy this stat is, the next closest on the list is Michael Jordan with only 866 games (March 25, 1986-December 26, 2001).
LeBron James hits the free throw to preserve his 10-point-game streak with 8:51 remaining in the 4th quarter
He went to miss the 2nd free throw and the next jumper before being subbed out for the rest of the game. pic.twitter.com/NN6xSMK1pe— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) December 3, 2024
In view of this, the last time LeBron failed to score 10 points was on January 5, 2007 (vs. Milwaukee Bucks), as he posted just eight points on 3-of-13 shooting in a 95-86 Cavaliers' win.
Considering that the Cavs won this game during the '07-08 season, and the fact LeBron had also had nine assists and only two turnovers, his most recent game on Monday night in Minnesota may go down as the worst performance of his career (excluding rookie season).
Ultimately, throughout LeBron's tenure in the league, he already has accomplished everything humanly possible, as he is the NBA's all-time leading scorer and has averaged 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.5 steals ever since 2003.
Although, important to point out, the soon-to-be 40-year-old is on a cold streak as of late, which has many concerned. Over his last four games LeBron has failed to make a three-pointer (0-for-19), and has actually missed his last 24 three-point attempts dating back to November 26.
LeBron just missed his 24th three in a row… this time an airball.
What is happening?!? pic.twitter.com/rFfc8oZQEV
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 3, 2024
To note, if LeBron misses his next shot from beyond the arc, he will actually tie an NBA record for most consecutive missed 3's (regular season),which is currently held by Grant Williams (25; 2019-2020).
Furthermore, in his last six games, LeBron has shot under 45% FG in each contest, averaging just 16.8 points during that stretch.
The reason why this may be alarming, LeBron has never had this bad of a slump (shooting under 45% in six consecutive games) since his rookie season as an 18-year-old out of high school.
All in all, LeBron should bounce back, but undoubtedly fans are starting to worry about the 'Kid from Akron,' who is currently the oldest player in the NBA.
This LeBron slump doesn’t feel right… It’s making me feel something… idk might have to call in sick tomorrow because I just don’t feel right knowing that LeBron is playing like this… @KingJames I got your back forever and always 🐐 pic.twitter.com/xlME7SKDC1
— Bryant (@bryantintown) December 3, 2024
No matter how much longevity and consistency LeBron has demonstrated throughout his career, there will be a day when 'Father Time' comes knocking, and fans are hoping that is not for at least another season or two... yet there may be some early signs starting to show.
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