Father Time Catching Up With LeBron James? Gets Ankles Broken and Blocked In the Same Game

LeBron James nearly found himself on the receiving end of two highlight reels by the Indiana Pacers players on Wednesday.

Father Time Catching Up With LeBron James? Gets Ankles Broken and Blocked In the Same Game

LeBron James (Image credits - IndyStar)

LeBron James is currently in his 24th season in the NBA. Drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers as the first pick in 2003, James has not only shattered the expectations surrounding him but has also surpassed them with his sustained excellence.

Prior to him, no player in NBA history had played beyond 22 seasons. Vince Carter played for 22 seasons but was more or less a role player in his final years. However, James continues to defy Father Time like never seen before.

The King may not be the player he once was, but his performances last season with the Los Angeles Lakers showed everyone that he can still contribute to a championship-contending team. But he sent the NBA world into a frenzy when he decided to part ways with the Lakers in the summer.

He decided to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year deal, thereby confirming that he will play for two more seasons. In his first few games of the season, James has been a vital player for the 76ers. However, during the 76ers’ 114-109 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, there were glimpses of father time catching up to him.

Known for his chase-down blocks, LeBron James fell victim to his own iconic move in the second quarter. As he went for a layup, Jalen Slawson chased him and swatted the ball away.

The King getting swatted on a chase-down is almost unheard of in his 23 seasons. Unfortunately, at 41 years old, it is expected for him to lose some of his explosiveness and athleticism.

NBA fans react as LeBron James gets blocked on a chase-down

It is expected to see LeBron James’ athleticism wane with time. While he may still put up impressive numbers at this stage of his career, he is well past his prime. Hence, a move to the 76ers made a lot of sense as he does not have to be their best player on every single night.

After falling prey to the chase-down block, fans quickly reacted across social media.

The videos garnered thousands of reactions from NBA fans. Many called it the greatest moment of Slawson’s career and believed that father time was finally catching up to King James.

LeBron James braced for another lowlight after Andrew Nembhard snapped his ankles

LeBron James got some relief when the chase-down block was called for a foul. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the only embarrassing moment for him, as he was on the receiving end of another highlight-reel play in the fourth quarter.

LeBron James
LeBron James (Image credits – Inquirer Sports)

Late in the fourth quarter, James took an ankle-breaker after Andrew Nembhard crossed him up. But once again, James got away with it because the Pacers guard missed the three-pointer.

Despite the couple of lowlights, LeBron James did well against the Pacers as he ended his night with 13 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, and two blocks in 33 minutes. The win improved the 76ers’ record to 4-1 for the season.

The 76ers are viewed as favorites to win it all next year and they will need LeBron James to stay healthy throughout the season. In his first four games, he has averaged 15.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists. While the viral moments did raise eyebrows, James continues his chase for a fifth championship.

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