Xavier Tillman is what 41 year old LeBron should play like.
I was watching highlights of the Friday games and I did a double take during garbage time of Hornets - Pistons.
There was a bald bearded 6’8” 245 PF big-boying his defender into a nice middy turnaround jump hook. I was like… wtf that looks exactly like Lebron. I quickly looked up the Hornets bench to find Xavier Tillman, a name I had heard a few times throughout my NBA fandom. Not here to shit on him, he honestly seems like a player that if given the minutes would probably put up a respectable 10 and 6, but he’s 27. Basically in his NBA prime. And athletically he plays like a 6’8” 245lb should! Slightly lumbering, methodical, PF gameplay that would be right at home in 2005.
In contrast LeBron, with severely reduced athleticism from his prime, at the ripe old age of 41, put up 28/6/12 with 4 steals 2⁄2 from 3 and a +27 on the game. Single-handedly keeping the Lakers hopes for the 3rd seed alive.
LeBron at his age should play like Xavier Tillman. It would be IMPRESSIVE if a 41 year old player was still in the league riding the bench of the Hornets and playing like Xavier Tillman. But he’s LeBron. I’ve been lucky enough to watch him since he came into the league and although “this fuckery won’t go on much longer” I really hope it goes as long as he can maintain it.
I’m here for 46 year old LeBron James playing like 27 year old Xavier Tillman. Probably better.