LeBron James has spent over two decades redefining greatness in the NBA, but one former player believes the King's 2025-26 season fell short of the crown.

Rashad McCants, who played four seasons in the league, didn't hold back his disappointment when grading LeBron's performance this year on the "Gil's Arena" podcast. His verdict? A solid "C" — and he expects more from someone chasing the G.O.A.T. title.

This season was unlike any other for the 41-year-old legend. Sciatica sidelined him for the first 14 games, and upon return, he faced an unfamiliar reality: third scoring option behind Luka Dončić. For a player who has been the focal point of every team since high school — whether as the top scorer or primary facilitator — it was a major adjustment.

To his credit, LeBron handled the transition with grace. When Dončić went down with a season-ending hamstring strain, James flipped the switch, returning to his dominant form and leading the Lakers past the Houston Rockets in a first-round upset. But the magic ran out in the Western Conference semifinals, where Oklahoma City swept L.A. — and that's where McCants takes issue.

"Gotta give him flowers — he's done a lot for the league and the young fellas," McCants said. "But winning is a metric for me. I expect more from somebody chasing the G.O.A.T. It's the highest standard. You have to outplay and outdo everybody, all the time. No rest. No excuses. No lack of accountability."

The numbers tell a tale of two seasons. During the regular season, LeBron averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists. In the playoffs, with Dončić sidelined, those numbers jumped to 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. The Lakers fought hard against the Thunder, but couldn't snag a single win — and for a player of LeBron's caliber, that stings.

Whether you agree with McCants' grade or not, one thing is clear: even in Year 23, the expectations for LeBron James remain sky-high. And that, in itself, is a testament to his legacy.