LeBron James: Struggles from Beyond the Arc and Its Consequences
LeBron James, one of the NBA's most enduring athletes, is currently facing an uncharacteristic slump in his three-point shooting game. The Los Angeles Lakers' stalwart has missed 19 consecutive three-point attempts over his last four games, a streak that has certainly raised eyebrows and concerns regarding the Lakers' offensive strategies.
While James is no stranger to adapting his playstyle over his illustrious career, this particular stretch brings to mind RJ Barrett's record of missing 21 straight three-pointers in a similar timeframe. For LeBron, a player who once made 41% of his three-point attempts in past seasons, the current dip is troubling for fans and analysts alike.
The Lakers' Recent Setbacks
The Los Angeles Lakers, who recently suffered a 109-80 loss to the Timberwolves, are now compelled to reassess their strategic approach, particularly considering LeBron's current struggles. In that matchup, LeBron ended up going 0-for-4 from beyond the arc and hit only 4-of-12 from inside. He's averaging 22 points per game across the first 21 games this season, a respectable number, but one that falls short of his usual standards. Notably, his rookie average was 20.9 points per game, indicating the high expectations placed on him since the beginning of his career.
Interestingly, the Lakers have outscored opponents by 15.9 points per 100 possessions with LeBron off the floor this season, a statistic that shifts the narrative around his centrality to the team’s success. This leads to the question: Are the Lakers overly reliant on LeBron, or can their system support him with more room for error?
A Year of Adjustments
LeBron’s current shooting woes are echoed across other areas of his game. This season, he's converting 52.9% of his field goals off drives, a decline from 59.8% last year. Within the restricted area, his accuracy has also dipped from 73.3% to 67.9%. Despite these declines, he maintains his streak of double-digit scoring games, now at an impressive 1,243 games. Even in losses, LeBron continues to be a consistent contributor, having scored 10 points against the Timberwolves, 11 against Phoenix, and 12 against Oklahoma City earlier this season.
Fast-break points have always been a strong suit for LeBron. This season, he ranks eighth in the NBA with 4.3 fast-break points per game. This statistic is slightly down from previous seasons, where he registered 5.1 last year and 6.2 the year before, but it still highlights his ability to capitalize on transitional play.
The Road Ahead
With an intention to play all 82 games this season, LeBron's resolve has never been stronger. However, for the Lakers, who must navigate these waters carefully, his shooting struggles necessitate a recalibration of their gameplay. The synergy between supporting players and the star role that LeBron occupies will have to be recalibrated for the Lakers to overcome current challenges.
LeBron's decline in points per possession during transition, placing him in the 54th percentile, further emphasizes the need for team-wide adjustments. The Lakers must strategize effectively to optimize both individual and collective performance on the court.
While the drop in three-point success is a focal point in discussions, it is essential to remember the multifaceted nature of a basketball game. LeBron's current form might not be indicative of his entire season, as shooting slumps are not uncommon over the grueling stretches of the NBA season. For now, though, the concern is real, the need for adaptation clear, and as always in the NBA, all eyes are on LeBron James.