LeBron James is one of the biggest names in the history of the NBA and any criticism of the star is often met with fire.

James is now playing in his 21st season in the NBA and his recent form for the Los Angeles Lakers has some questioning how many seasons he can continue.

The Lakers are currently 12-9 in the Western Conference but have lost five of their last seven games including a heavy defeat on Monday 109-80 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

James scored just ten points in the game and only managed four assists leaving many to question the star.

Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty ImagesSmith and Sharpe get heated over LeBron statement

Shannon Sharpe and Stephen A. Smith are never scared of giving their opinions but their most recent debate over LeBron James got a little heated.

Speaking after the LA Lakers latest defeat Sharpe suggested that LeBron could have done with a break during his career.

Sharpe said: “I wish LeBron James could have taken 4 years off during his career. 5 years.”

This bold statement drew an instant gasp from Smith who said: “You should be ashamed of yourself! That is nonsense!”

The two then went into a battle over how ‘soft’ the game is today compared to that of the 80’s and 90’s when Michael Jordan played.

Sharpe said: “Can you imagine if LeBron James would have said he needed time off because he was mentally and physically fatigued?”

Sharpe was referring to Michael Jordan having a four-year exit from the NBA citing fatigue for his decision to step away from the Chicago Bulls between 1993-95 and then again from 1999-2001.

LeBron James stats in 2024/25 season show drop-off

LeBron has set himself a remarkably high bar to follow season after season, and until this point, he has managed to keep delivering despite not getting any younger.

The 4x NBA MVP has seen a steady decline in his numbers over the last three seasons and his numbers this year are continuing the downward trend.

The 2021/22 season saw James average 30.3 PPG, in 2022/23 this was down to 28.9 and last season it decreased again to 25.7. This season he is currently averaging just 22 PPG, his lowest since his debut season in the NBA.

James spoke after the Lakers’ defeat on what is frustrating him: “It’s everything, it’s the rhythm. I just feel off rhythm the last few, three or four games.”