Los Angeles Lakers: Three positive takeaways from this season

PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 18: LeBron James #23 and Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate in the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at Moda Center on October 18, 2018 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 Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 18: LeBron James #23 and Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate in the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at Moda Center on October 18, 2018 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 Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. LeBron James has not shown any serious signs of aging (yet)

One of the greatest things about LeBron James, especially as his career has entered its later stages, is that he is getting older and older but his production on the court is not taking a significant hit.

If James a step slower and a tad less ferocious than he was six years ago? Absolutely. However, James is by no means falling behind the new generation of superstar and is still widely regarded as the best player on the planet.

A big worry about James heading to the Lakers is that he would break down in a similar fashion as Kobe Bryant, which would have just reset the Lakers’ timeline back to where it was five years ago.

James put those worries to bed, at least this year, with yet another productive season that saw him put up mind-boggling numbers for a 34-year-old.

James is averaging 27.5 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game still in his 16th NBA season. That is insane to think.

Some skeptics will point out his groin injury and the fact that it took him longer than usual to recover, which really does not make sense. First of all, it was a freak accident that could have happened to anyone, it was not a sign of age, and second of all, he only sat that long as the team was being precious.

Sure, an older body might mean slower healing but James is still in phenomenal shape and is still a bonafide MVP candidate when he stays healthy for an entire year and makes the postseason.

While next year is not a guarantee, Laker fans can at least be more optimistic after seeing his performances this season.