LeBron James is old. Everyone knows that. However, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar has rarely looked old. There is a big difference there. The gap on reality versus appearance may be closing to some degree.

The outing everyone is highlighting as the example of that was the Lakers’ recent 125-108 loss to the Phoenix Suns. It was a game that could be described as passive and sluggish for James. His presence on offense was minimal. His impact on defense was not much better.

James’ performance did not miss the attention of Brian Windhorst and The Hoop Collective. The play of Lakers’ aging star drew plenty of criticism and skepticism from the crew.

“LeBron did not have a good night,” Windhorst said. “For the first time really, this season, it felt like LeBron looked his age. Or maybe not his age, but he looked like an older NBA player. … He was not himself.”

It is still too early for Lakers to make a LeBron James verdict

The ESPN analyst pointed out this was the first time in James’ career where he had no rebounds, steals, or blocks. In his eyes, it was a testament to the idea of LeBron not moving as well out there.

So, is this it? Is this the collapse of the best basketball player the NBA has ever seen?

The exact answer to that is unclear. How could it be given James has only played five games in the 2025-26 season?

It is probably safe to assume some level of decline from the all-time great at this point, given the mileage on his body after all these years. However, that small of a sample size for a player who has a pattern of ramping up as the season goes along is just not particularly telling.

James is only averaging 15.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 0.8 steals per game, with shooting splits of 46-32-55, right now. Those numbers are not great, by his ridiculous standards.

However, it is also important to remember that not only is James someone who picks up as the year goes on, but the Lakers star is playing catch-up. Everyone else has already gotten their opportunity to properly gear up. James’ sciatica injury robbed him of that.

“I didn’t get an opportunity to practice with the guys at all, throughout camp, throughout the preseason. So, I’m still working my way back,” James told the media not too long ago.

Whether this version of LeBron will continue to look old is something that won’t have a clear answer this early. The concerns are warranted, but the panic levels should not be high yet.