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OVER THE LAST seasons LeBron James’ league-best wing defence has noticeably slipped. He went from being one of the most disruptive defenders in the league to just okay.

Running around like a maniac on D takes its toll, and there’s evidence that suggests LeBron has understandably dialed back his intensity on that end of the court.

But this year things have gotten worse, and his defence has been downright non-existent on occasion. There have been some Harden-esque lapses that you wouldn’t expect from the best player in the world.

(If you’re unfamiliar, LeBron’s the big number 23 wearing the headband)

1. Last night, he ushered Chicago’s Tony Snell right in to the paint

2. LeBron doesn’t bother to close down a three-point shooter against the Lakers

3. LeBron’s guy runs right past him for an open layup against the Raptors

4. Here, he thinks about helping out on D, but then thinks better of it

5. Two on… none.

https://vine.co/v/ODjbaUwK7Wm

6. He’s basically just a traffic cone against the Raptors

https://vine.co/v/Or2ngATtMu3

7. LBJ runs away

https://vine.co/v/Oi1FFDxTHEB

It just shows that you can’t be great ALL of the time, but James is still an absolute genius at the other end of the court.

Football in the Groin: Basketball edition