According to betting odds, LeBron James is projected to experience a career first in the upcoming NBA season: averaging less than 20 points per game. While this is just a forecast and not a certainty, DraftKings Sportsbook currently lists James at -160 odds to average 18 or more points and +180 to shoot past 20 points per game, suggesting he is expected to score between 18 and 19 points each game.
This development is notable because throughout his entire NBA career, James has never averaged under 20 points per game. Entering his 24th season, his scoring averages by year have consistently stayed above that mark, with his closest dips to below 20 being just over 20 points per game during his rookie year and his 23rd season.
Although his exact role on the Philadelphia 76ers remains unclear, many speculate James will focus more on playmaking, supporting a roster heavy with scoring talent like Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid — each of whom averaged well above 25 points last season. James has a strong background as a facilitator, having led the league in assists during the 2019-20 season and logged over seven assists per game in 15 seasons, with only his rookie year falling below six assists on average.
Another factor influencing his scoring average could be his number of shot attempts. Throughout his career, he has consistently shot over 50% from the field and taken at least 17.6 shots per game until last season, when he logged just 15.3 attempts per game.
Fan Take:
This shift in LeBron’s scoring outlook signals a new chapter in his legendary career, highlighting his evolution into a more collaborative and strategic player. For basketball fans, it’s exciting to see how this adjustment could redefine the game’s dynamics, especially with such a star-studded Sixers lineup complementing LeBron’s playmaking skills.
Source: www.foxsports.com
