At the age of 39, LeBron James undoubtedly cannot match the defensive prowess of his prime in terms of physical attributes. Despite often facing opponents with superior speed and craftiness, LeBron’s defensive abilities are still highly regarded.
If he can’t maintain defensive intensity through sheer physical athleticism, LeBron James leverages his exceptional basketball IQ and knowledge to thwart opponents. His keen situational awareness allows him to anticipate plays, signal teammates to potential danger zones before the opponent executes their moves, and even act as a support behind his teammates to guard against worst-case scenarios.
Watch the video below to witness LeBron James smartly positioning himself to disrupt an opponent’s pick-and-roll play, reading the subsequent pass, and making a steal for his team.
These invaluable contributions in crunch time make LeBron James a defensive asset for the Los Angeles Lakers. According to statistics, the Lakers are the best defensive team in the NBA during crunch time, allowing an average of only 93.8 points per 100 possessions. The second-best team, the Sacramento Kings, averages 97.6 points per 100 possessions.
Even in moments of coaching insight, LeBron James guides his teammates on potential opponent moves. At the age of 39, he may not be the best one-on-one defender, but he stands out as one of the most system-supportive players in the 2023/24 season.
**2. Maximizing Physical Advantage against Smaller Opponents**
LeBron James not only excels defensively but also knows how to conserve energy when attacking. Typically, opponents assign their best defensive players to guard LeBron James. However, the Los Angeles Lakers don’t allow this to happen.
Lakers players consistently move up to provide support by forming defensive walls, forcing opponents to switch defenders immediately or risk exposing an open space. A similar scenario occurred in a game against the Phoenix Suns when LeBron James received support to face Grayson Allen, a good defender but significantly smaller than LeBron James.
LeBron James doesn’t rely on speed to beat opponents; he simply utilizes his superior height and physical strength to secure the best position and then effortlessly scores.
This strategy helps LeBron James conserve energy during the most crucial moments of the game, earning valuable points for the Los Angeles Lakers.
**3. Upgrading Three-Point Shooting Ability**
LeBron James is experiencing a breakthrough in three-point shooting efficiency in the 2023/24 season. He boasts an impressive 38.7% success rate from beyond the arc, a significant improvement from the 29% during his rookie season in the NBA.
Known for his athleticism, speed, and superior skills, LeBron James primarily used these advantages to score near the rim or with mid-range shots throughout his career. He has never been highly praised for his three-point shooting ability.
Adapting one’s playing style to age in a professional environment is not easy, and very few can excel at learning an entirely new skill as LeBron James has. However, he has managed to upgrade and enhance his three-point shooting into a formidable weapon, making it challenging for opponents to defend him during critical moments in the game.
This is how LeBron James continues to dominate the NBA even as he approaches the age of 39. Leveraging a high basketball IQ, adopting an energy-efficient playing style, and upgrading skills to align with the times are the contributions LeBron James brings to the 2023/24 season.
A surprise unfolded in the first-ever NBA In-Season Tournament semifinal as the Pacers, despite being considered underdogs, shockingly defeated the Bucks 128-119 to secure a spot in the finals. Meanwhile, in the other semifinal, the outcome was more lopsided than expected, with the Los Angeles Lakers easily dismantling the New Orleans Pelicans with a score of 133-89.
The Lakers are undoubtedly the favored team heading into the upcoming final. Their impressive performance in the semifinals, coupled with their experienced roster, particularly with the presence of LeBron James – the contemporary NBA’s greatest star, positions them as the team to beat. James’ experience and star power form the foundation of the Lakers’ confidence in the upcoming championship match.
On the other hand, the Pacers boast a youthful roster with limited experience in major matchups. The NBA In-Season Tournament final could be the most significant game in the careers of many Pacers players to date. Psychological pressure, expectations, and lack of experience are aspects they cannot match with the Lakers – the most historically rich team in the NBA.
Defensive capabilities also pose a concern for the Pacers as they rank lower in this aspect of the competition. The team doesn’t heavily prioritize defense, always keeping energy for offensive plays. This style of play isn’t highly regarded in decisive matches. However, in return, they possess an impressive offensive capability. The Pacers’ fast-paced and unpredictable attacking style presents a challenge that no team has fully solved this season.
Limiting the Pacers’ playing pace is a crucial factor that the Lakers must focus on in the upcoming match. At 39 years old, LeBron James cannot match the speed and stamina of the Pacers’ young players. If the Lakers can control the fast-paced style of the Pacers, leveraging their experience and superior class, they have a good chance of emerging victorious. However, if they get caught up in the opponent’s rhythm, the Lakers may struggle to keep up with the speed of Haliburton and his teammates.