LeBron James is still regarded as one of the best players in the NBA right now. Despite making his debut in the league all the way back in 2003, Bron hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down becoming the talismanic figure in any team he has played with. Although last season the Los Angeles Lakers struggled, it was LeBron who was the shining light for the team scoring almost 30 points per game.
While his time with the Lakers has been decent, Bron isn’t as explosive as he used to be and has slipped a bit from his absolute peak. Although LBJ put up some of his most memorable performances in the Cleveland Cavaliers as well, arguably, his absolute peak was with the Miami Heat.
Joining the Heat when he was a 26-year-old, James was hitting his absolute peak as a hooper. A prime Bron was probably the most all-around player the league might have ever seen. Not only was ‘King James’ capable of driving to the rim, but he had also developed a decent enough jump shot as well. As far as playmaking is concerned, he was one of the best playmaking forwards out there. And finally, in defense, James was perhaps one of the most versatile defenders. Capable of blocking shots and coming up with quick steals, LBJ was a menace.
These qualities were very much visible in the 2013 NBA Finals as well. Facing off against the San Antonio Spurs, the Heat had a formidable opponent on their hands and needed their best players to bring their A-game. After losing Game 1, Game 2 was a must win for Miami.
In the 4th quarter of Game 2, the Spurs could have rallied a comeback. But Bron shattered those hopes with an incredible sequence. Ferociously blocking a Tiago Splitter dunk, Bron got the ball back for the team. In the same play, James had a sniper pass to Ray Allen for a three-pointer.
But LBJ wasn’t done. Immediately, the Spurs brought the ball down to the court. While the Spurs were trying to execute a play, in classic Bron fashion, LeBron deflected the ball and went on to score a thunderous dunk.
In the span of 40 seconds, ‘King James’ was responsible for a 5-point swing between the two teams, which practically sealed the deal for the Miami Heat. After a grueling series, LeBron and Co. did repeat as the NBA champions, and James rightly won his 2nd Finals MVP trophy.
