LeBron James will miss the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 2004-05 season, but former teammate Chris Bosh believes James' production with the Los Angeles Lakers is being underappreciated.
"He's going strong," Bosh told ESPN's Lisa Salters. "He set the bar so high that if he averages 25 (points), eight (boards), and eight (assists) that's not enough. After eight (straight) years in The Finals, people have gotten jaded by his greatness."
Bosh added that James finally missing the postseason could be a blessing in disguise, rather than the start of a decline.
"For the first time in almost 15 years, he can get rest and really fully reset and get a whole offseason," Bosh said. "So I think you'll probably see something you've never seen before from him next year."
Bosh, who won a pair of NBA championships alongside James with the Miami Heat, will have his jersey retired by the franchise on Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, James is averaging 27.5 points, 8.6 boards, and 8.1 assists in his first season with the Lakers.
