LeBron James is showing signs of decline as he approaches 40.

LeBron James, once deemed superhuman on the basketball court, is now facing undeniable signs of decline as he approaches his 40th birthday. Despite his legendary career, the future Hall of Famer is in the midst of a shooting slump that is unlike any we’ve seen before. In his last four games, LeBron has missed all 19 of his 3-point attempts, a stretch that only narrowly misses the record set by RJ Barrett for missed 3-pointers in a four-game span.

LeBron’s Shooting Slump: A Rare Sight

Though LeBron’s 3-point shooting has always been streaky, this current slump signals something deeper. Over his career, LeBron has never been an elite 3-point shooter, but his struggles in recent years have become more pronounced. His 3-point percentage was well below league average during his MVP years, and his worst shooting season came during the 2016 championship run. Despite these fluctuations, James’ other-worldly skill set in virtually every other aspect of the game has often overshadowed his shooting weaknesses.

However, during the Lakers’ loss to the Timberwolves, James’ poor shooting performance reached a new low. He finished with just 10 points—scoring below 12 points for the third time this season already, compared to just two such performances the entire previous year.

A Deeper Look at LeBron’s Decline

While his shooting slump is concerning, the more alarming aspect is the physical decline that is starting to show. LeBron’s ability to dominate in transition has sharply decreased. Once an unstoppable force on fast breaks, LeBron’s numbers in this area have dwindled, dropping from 6.2 points per game two years ago to 4.3 points per game this season.

The data paints a bleak picture for the future of the Lakers. James’ efficiency has also dipped. He’s shooting only 67.9% in the restricted area, a far cry from the mid-70% range that defined his prime. Field goals off drives are also down, at just 52.9% compared to 59.8% last season. These numbers suggest that Father Time is not just creeping up on James, but actively catching him.

The Lakers’ Struggling Dynamic with LeBron

Another troubling trend is the Lakers’ performance with LeBron on and off the floor. According to stats, the Lakers are actually 15.9 points per 100 possessions better when LeBron is off the court. This highlights that while James remains a solid player, the Lakers might be better off reducing his minutes to maximize his effectiveness during key stretches.

Despite these struggles, it’s essential to note that LeBron is still a solid player. While his defensive prowess is no longer what it once was, he remains a great playmaker and a capable scorer, even if his scoring efficiency has taken a hit. He is still better than most of his peers, but the gap between James and the rest of the league is finally closing.

What’s Next for LeBron?

LeBron’s decline has long been predicted, but he has defied the odds for nearly two decades. With his 40th birthday just around the corner, this year marks the true beginning of the physical limitations that come with age. James has long relied on his basketball IQ and accumulated skill to mask any loss of physicality, but now even those may not be enough to sustain his dominance.

While it’s unlikely that we’ll see a drastic drop in LeBron’s overall effectiveness in the immediate future, the Lakers will have to adjust to a version of LeBron who is still great but no longer invincible. As LeBron’s inevitable decline becomes a reality, fans and analysts will continue to question: Where does LeBron go from here?

Conclusion: The Beginning of the End

In conclusion, the slump LeBron James is experiencing serves as a stark reminder of the physical limitations that come with aging. With his 40th birthday on the horizon, we may see more off nights and subpar performances from the King. For the Lakers, it’s time to face the inevitable—LeBron James is mortal, and his decline is now visible for all to see. The once unstoppable force is now vulnerable, but with his basketball acumen and leadership, LeBron might still surprise us in ways we never expected.