LeBron James knows he's about to turn 42, and that brings limitations. The Philadelphia 76ers superstar highlighted one play specifically where he didn't do what his younger self would've done while speaking to co-host Steve Nash on the 'Mind the Game' podcast.
During the 76ers' win over the Pacers on Oct. 28, LeBron opted not to finish a fast break with a dunk, with Jalen Slawson trailing him, and instead went up for a layup. Slawson still blocked it, but that was the better alternative than James injuring himself (subscription required).
"If I try to take off…the risk versus reward…if this kid (expletive) me up, I’m out 2-4 weeks. There’s no question. Those are the types of things that clicks into your head (at 41), where 12 years ago…I probably would have taken off.’’
Philadelphia appreciates LeBron for making that split-second decision and thinking about his future, without trying to turn back the clock. He's played a record 24 seasons in the NBA because he's in tune with his body and invests heavily in his physical well-being.
While it admittedly would've been cool to see him throw down a high-flying dunk, the reward of seeing it all over social media wasn't worth the risk.
LeBron isn't the player he once was, but he's still LeBron
Do you know another soon-to-be 42-year-old who is flirting with triple-doubles? No, you don't, and that's because James is the oldest player in the NBA. But that didn't stop him from finishing with 15 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds in the win over Chicago in 31 minutes. Or 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists in Philadelphia's second win of the season over New York last Friday in 34 minutes.
The 76ers gave him the night off against the Hornets in between those wins, but again, he's played in the NBA for over two decades. LeBron earned that rest, and to keep him in the best possible shape for the playoffs, Philadelphia has to manage his minutes and give him time off.
The team wants to control that rather than have James deal with a setback that requires time off. He could've landed awkwardly after going up for the dunk, with Slawson landing underneath him, or gotten hurt by colliding with the forward.
What could've been a moment Philadelphia fans wanted to block from their memory became one that Slawson will remember forever. And that outcome is just fine. It's not about what happens in November, anyway. Still, the team's 7-1 start is encouraging for more than one reason, especially given how James fared at the beginning of his previous stops.
The 76ers need their stars healthy and in the lineup to keep building and learning from each other; in LeBron's case especially, it's better to be safe than sorry. But there once was a time...
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