Fansided

The best NBA player, right now, of every age

By Matthew Miranda

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 21: Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers and Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans interact in the third quarter during their game at Moda Center on February 21, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 21: Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers and Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans interact in the third quarter during their game at Moda Center on February 21, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 03: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at Staples Center on March 03, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 03: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at Staples Center on March 03, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

The best 33-year-old: Kyle Lowry

When Michael Jordan retired for the first time, Scottie Pippen’s production not only increased, it improved. After Kawhi Leonard left Toronto in free agency, Kyle Lowry was going to have to take on a bigger load. In his age-33 season, his shooting percentages held steady and he doubled his free throws made per game, a big part of his scoring average jumping from 14 to 20 points a night. Even more impressive, Lowry did it all without stifling Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet’s growth. It wasn’t an MVP season, but applause is deserved.

The best 34-year-old: LeBron James

As a 19-year-old rookie, LeBron James averaged a hair under 21 points a game. In the 16 years since, he’s never averaged fewer than 25.3. He’s won a scoring title, finished top-three in scoring 10 times, is the third-leading scorer of all-time and has a shot at finishing number one. This is only one way of framing the Rushmore-ity of LeBron’s greatness. Here’s another: scoring isn’t even his strong suit.

Passing is, and playing with a dominant big man in Anthony Davis for the first time in his career allowed James the omniscient orchestrator to shine, and the City of Angels was lit. His assist rate of 49.7 percent was higher than even Magic Johnson ever posted. A year ago LeBron suffered the first significant injury of his career and the Lakers missed the playoffs for the sixth straight year. This year they were on the shortlist of title favorites. James shows no signs of slowing down.

Meet the 25 best NBA players under the age of 25. dark. Next

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