With the NBA’s biggest names descending upon New Orleans for the 2017 All Star Game, the Cavaliers send 13-time All Star LeBron James and 3-time All Star Kyrie Irving. Kevin Love, also selected for this year’s game, will not take the floor as he recovers from surgery on his left knee.
James and Irving take the floor in New Orleans, a place each has thrived, as they have won each of the All Star Game MVP’s played in the city. With nearly a triple double in the 2008 edition, James took home the hardware, and this go around in the Big Easy may be his last chance to add his total.
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A new wave of players will hit the hardwood trying to keep The King from taking his throne as MVP on Sunday night. Two time reigning champ Russell Westbrook has been on a tear all season long, and his approach likely won’t change in the Al-Star Game, especially playing alongside former teammate Kevin Durant.
Another name to keep your eye on is big man Anthony Davis, starter for the West squad. His talent and versatility have many believing he will take over the mantle as top NBA player in a few years, not to mention the game is being played in his home arena. With superstars all over the court, anybody could go off and take home the award, including James.
In his 12 All Star appearances, James has averaged more than 30 minutes per game, eclipsing that total 10 times. At age 32, look for that average to steadily drop in the years to come, as he only logged 20 minutes last year in Toronto.
With his minutes per game trailing only Kyle Lowry this season, it would be no surprise if James exerted less effort than his younger counterparts. Playing less minutes means less shots, and five of the last six All-Star MVP winners scored over 30 points, with the exception being Chris Paul in 2013 when he scored 20 points and dropped 15 dimes. Just a few years ago LeBron James lobbied for a longer All Star break, and with his wish granted, he may just give it his all for another MVP award.
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Even with his age climbing and minutes likely declining in All-Star Games, there still may be a hidden opportunity in James’ future. Let’s not forgot Kobe Bryant took home the award in 2011 at age 33 and Shaquille O’Neal in 2009 at age 37, just to mention a few of the recent MVP’s in the territory of their careers that James is entering.
Also, O’Neal did it on his home floor in Phoenix while only putting up 17 points and five rebounds. LeBron James may have similar circumstances when the All Star Game arrives in Cleveland in 2019, at age 34. With a chance to put on a show for his home crowd, he may just have a little pep in his game that night.
Age is just a number, especially for LeBron James, as he is still in peak physical condition nearly a decade and a half into his career. Don’t be surprised to see him take home some more All-Star Game hardware this year, or in the future.