LABron James Discussion: The Final Year?

Feel like it probably has more to do with the predictably poor fit of Rui in the starting lineup with LeBron’s return and Ayton being out. Too small of a sample size with variables to put the blame on Lebron.

 

Sure, but it’s @ADKOBE He no likee LeBron

 

Lebron plugs a lot of holes, he's still a high end player. The perfect scenario for the team is for Luka to carry the offense and James and Reaves fill in the blanks, especially in the 2nd halves. Everyone is playing their roles right now, we can obsess over the defense in March. Hopefully the trade deadline, will provide an opportunity to address that. Right now..just win baby!

 

LeBron has come back and elevated the team as I expected him too. While some were criticizing him for not smiling on the bench, I pointed out he was studying the games to see what he could do to help the team the most when he came back. Everyone on the team, or any team really, is a role player of sorts, LeBron is orchestrating his role perfectly, down to the interviews after the games. A crucial difference to this team, compared to other LeBron Laker teams is he can afford to build his conditioning slowly and hopefully avoid reinjury. Our team defense will continue to improve with his conditioning. If we can somehow add a defender without giving up any of our top 8-9 guys great, otherwise we are good as is. Great times ahead for Laker Nation.

 

Was I just imagining things or did AD and Lebron seem a bit cool towards each other. Almost all the Lakers embraced AD after the game and it sure seems like Lebron and AD just gave cold stares!!

??????

 

no. they did their special handshake after the game

seems like clips floating around the internet are purposely cutting that part out for drama

 

I'm wondering how long it takes for fans to start complaining about Lebron's salary now that he is taking a step back to allow Luka and Reaves lead the team offensively.

 

He took no back sit to jack last night. He was just s***e.

 

I'm not sure how anyone can say he hasn't taken a back seat. His usage rate is 10% lower than his career average. Look at the last few years as an example:

25/26:
- Usage: 22.6%
- % C&S Shots: 22.6%
- 0-1 Dribble Shots: 66%
- Open & Wide Open Shots: 62.3%
- Less than 2 Seconds Touch Time: 50.9%
- Assisted 2pt shots: 60%
- Assisted 3pt shots: 100%

24/25:
- Usage: 30.1%
- % C&S Shots: 17.8%
- 0-1 Dribble Shots: 42.9%
- Open & Wide Open Shots: 54%
- Less than 2 Seconds Touch Time: 33.4%
- Assisted 2pt shots: 38.2%
- Assisted 3pt shots: 69.1%

23/24:
- Usage: 29.2%
- % C&S Shots: 16.5%
- 0-1 Dribble Shots: 44%
- Open & Wide Open Shots: 38.1%
- Less than 2 Seconds Touch Time: 34.6%
- Assisted 2pt shots: 43.5%
- Assisted 3pt shots: 68.5%

He has the lowest usage of his career by a third. There is a 30% increase in catch and shoot shots, a 50% increase in 0-1 dribble shots, a markable increase in open and wide open shots (60%+ increase since before Luka got here) and a 50% increase in less than 2 second touch time. He is also leading the league in fast break points off of leak outs. Lastly 2/3rds of all his shots are assisted where as his career average is 1/3rd.

This is a small sample size, but so far he has definitely changed his playing style to fit in. If he can put that energy towards staying healthy and defense, this is a huge improvement.

 

I don’t think you got my intention. He was crap regardless, imo

 

i was complaining about his salary before that, so yes, i'll continue.

 

I think the knock is going to go back to how much help he has now that AR seems to be sustaining his high level play.

 

could use him against zion. NO is more dangerous than their record suggests. but i guess if you have to sit him vs them or phx, you choose them.