The NBA's very worst shooters this season: Kobe and LeBron

About five years ago, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James were the two best players in the world. Now, the Los Angeles Lakers legend is 37 years old, battling through daily physical ailments on his way to retirement. King James, on the other hand, is still an exceptional all-around player, but no longer universally regarded as the best of the best. 

Both players are in noticeable decline, with Bryant much further along than James. How bad is it? Well, take a look at how poor their jump shots have been this season:

This isn't the end of the world for James...yet. He's still an 18-wheeler in transition, still one of Earth's most dominant athletes; he can get to the basket whenever he wants. In the playoffs, there's a good chance LeBron's game will rise to the occasion, and it wouldn't be a total shock to see him go on a hot streak to melt away any mounting pressure.

LeBron's shooting struggles are worrisome, but they aren't yet a death blow. He still demands a double team in the post, and remains one of basketball's five smartest passers.

Things are far more bleak for Kobe, who has just about nothing left in the tank. He can't attack the paint, rebound or consistently create opportunities for teammates off the bounce. No starting small forward is less reliable on defense, either.

But that's what happens to every player as they age, and Bryant should have nothing to be ashamed of. He's had a tremendous 20-year career and will go down as one of the best to ever do it. Until the day he retires, though, watching him is a rough experience.

Father time stays undefeated.