Turning Back the Clock: 33-Year-Old King James Heads Towards 8th Straight Finals

The King is alive and well, and doesn't appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. In his 15th season, LeBron James is playing possibly his best basketball of his career. To begin, LeBron played in all 82 games this season; the only time in his career. He also sported averages of 27.5pts, 8.6reb, and 9.1 asts during the regular season. If that weren't impressive enough, he recorded 18 triple-doubles, which is the most in his career; 13 was his previous high.

The most impressive part of this season for LeBron is that he has taken his game to another level in the playoffs. Through the first 10 games of the playoffs, LeBron has averaged 34.8pts, 9.5rebs, and 8.8asts, and has made 3 game-winning shots on 3 attempts.

He now has a team that many believe to be one of the worst teams LeBron has been on in his career, poised to compete for another Eastern Conference Championship, and an 8th straight trip to the NBA Finals.

The fact that LeBron is having the year that he is having, in his 15th season, has many people shaking their heads. Take a look at what some of the NBA's best historical players have averaged in their 15th season:

• Michael Jordan - 20.0pts, 6.1rebs, and 3.8asts
• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - 21.5pts, 7.3rebs, 2.6asts
• Shaquille O'Neal - 17.3pts, 7.4rebs, 2.0asts
• Kobe Bryant - 25.3pts, 5.1rebs, 4.7asts
• Kevin Garnett - 14.3pts, 7.3rebs, 2.7asts
• Dirk Nowitzki - 17.3pts, 6.8rebs, 2.5asts

Most players are on their downhill stretch when they get to their 15th season. LeBron is the first player in NBA history to have arguably his best season in year 15. The way he has been able to play this year, it appears as though the King could hold onto his throne for at least another 5 or 6 years, and maybe more. There are only 8 players left from LeBron's 2003 Draft class, and only 3 of them (LeBron, Carmelo, and Kyle Korver) had starting roles in the league this year.

Only time will tell when it comes to LeBron's legacy. He is arguably the Greatest to ever play the game already, but many still argue against him. How much more does he have to do to win over the MJ fans. I mean, let's be honest, it is between him and Michael. LeBron has already easily surpassed every other player to ever play the game. Maybe another championship a few weeks from now will sway the haters?