LeBron’s Fabled Mid-Range Improvements
LeBron James is such a player, and as such, it would be hypocritical and just plain irrational for me not to have a great amount of respect and awe for him, for the same reasons. But I also believe that credit should only be given where it is due. To give a person credit for something that they have not actually achieved is, in fact, a disservice to that person — it devalues what they have actually achieved, and renders our professed respect for them insincere. Unfortunately, this is what we have tended to do with LeBron James. Knowing that he is the future, and seeing his vast potential, which we know he has the work ethic to fulfill, we get ahead of ourselves, giving him credit for things he has not yet accomplished. It is not fair to those, like Kobe Bryant, who have put in the effort and achieved those things. It is not fair to those, like Dwyane Wade, who don’t get the same special treatment based on as-yet-unrealized potential. And most of all, it is not fair to LeBron James, who deserves to be given respect for what he has accomplished, not for some unrealistic, airbrushed perception of who we want him to be. This, quite simply, is what I strive to do: To give credit where it is due, at all times, but to expect that a person should earn his reputation, not have it handed to him. Only then will it be of any value. What am I referring to? Let me give you one of the most glaring examples. Throughout his career, one oft-mentioned criticism of LeBron is his jumpshot — or lack thereof. In recent years, it has been the tendency of those who itch to see his vast potential immediately fulfilled to prematurely declare this problem solved. The most recent instance of this is found in a comment submitted by a TrueHoop reader named Bob, found in this week’s Wednesday’s Bullets. Among other things, Bob claims that LeBron, this year, has shown “an improved mid-range jumper.” (Bob also mentions defense, free throw shooting, and three-point shooting — and in several ways, he’s absolutely right. Click here to read more on LeBron’s legitimate improvements in those areas. UPDATE: I’ve also followed this article up with another one, also inspired by the same TrueHoop bullet, which looks at which of these two players is “the most clutch.” Click here to find out if the numbers tell the whole story.) Is this true, or is this a case of giving LeBron credit for something he has not actually accomplished? Let’s let the numbers do the talking. Via NBA Hot Spots, here are LeBron James’ numbers from the various areas of the court, comparing last year to this year, so far: Before we interpret these numbers, allow me to explain what you’re seeing.
To simplify things (and to give LeBron the benefit of the doubt and a slight advantage), I will be dividing the court into three major areas:
As you can see, LeBron has improved this year off of either elbow (the areas to either side of the free throw line). On the other hand, he is shooting worse from the high post (directly below the free throw line) and the right corner (just inside the three-point line on the right side). Doing the math, the numbers speak for themselves:
LeBron’s mid-range percentage last year was unimpressive, and as you can see, he has actually not improved in that area this year. In fact, he is shooting slightly worse from that distance. And in case you were wondering, it is clear that, taken as a whole, his jumpshot has not improved — his overall field goal percentage is greatly helped by his incredible accuracy on layups and dunks, on which he shoots with more than twice the accuracy of everything outside the immediate vicinity of the basket. Fortunately for James, he seems to get to his favorite area of the court almost at will. Meanwhile, it is worth noting that both LeBron and Kobe have been uncharacteristically awful from three-point range this year, and I’m certain both will return to their previous averages as the season progresses. Since Bob made this point regarding LeBron James’ supposed improved mid-range jumpshot in the context of a larger comparison to Kobe, it seems only fair that we should look at Kobe’s mid-range numbers, as well: As you can see, Kobe has one more blue zone this year than he did last year, but he also has two more red zones than before. And of course, as I mentioned, his three-point shooting, like LeBron’s, has been abominable. Doing the math, we find the following:
As you can see, Kobe shot a respectable percentage from mid-range last year, and has actually improved significantly from that range this year. Since both Kobe and LeBron had little opportunity to rest over the summer — both playing deep into the playoffs and then in the Olympics — added to the fact that the beginning of the year is a time when teams are typically making adjustments on both ends of the floor, I was curious to see if either of them might be shooting better more recently than they did early in the season. What follows are their Hot Spots for the Last 10 Games: A quick glance will tell you that LeBron’s mid-range numbers for the last 10 games are virtually identical to his overall season numbers. The math confirms this: James is shooting .344 overall from mid-range this year, and a virtually identical .343 over the last 10 games. Kobe, on the other hand, has clearly shot much better from mid-range more recently. While he is shooting .400 overall for the year, he is at an impressive .485 from mid-range over the last 10 games. Lastly, to see where each player is at this very moment, here are their Hot Spots for the Last Five Games: Finally, James appears at the moment to be shooting a bit better from mid-range. He has been very hot in some mid-range areas and very cold in others, with five blue zones and three red — but doing the math, we find that he is shooting a decent .391 from that distance. Bryant, meanwhile, is absolutely on fire from mid-range at the moment, with six red zones and only one blue, shooting a scorching .531 from that part of the court. Worth noting, however, is that while LeBron’s three-point shooting is improving — he’s shooting a very good .381 from that range in the last five games, and has settled in around his average at .325 over the last 10 — Kobe continues to struggle mightily from long distance, shooting a miserable .125 in the last five games, and .237 in the last 10. To summarize, here are the overall numbers for James and Bryant:
Conclusions The numbers speak for themselves, and they are both obvious and undeniable: LeBron’s fabled mid-range improvements are a prime example of giving him credit for something he has, in fact, not yet achieved. In fact, it is Kobe Bryant’s mid-range game that has in no small way improved this year, while LeBron James’ has slightly worsened — resulting not in a narrowing of the gap in this area, but quite the opposite, a continued and even greater advantage for Bryant from mid-range. Finally, as I mentioned above, Bob’s comment on TrueHoop also mentioned defense, free throw shooting, and three-point shooting — and some of what he says is absolutely right. Click here to read more about that. Also, click here to read more about which of these two players is the most clutch. The large part of this article was written on Friday, December 5th. All statistics are accurate through Friday morning. |
This may surprise you — if you’ve read some of my past work, you may have gotten the opposite impression — but I’m a big fan of LeBron James. How can I not be? Much like Kobe Bryant, I can’t help but respect the rare combination of incredible talent and the work ethic to match. After all, those areas of life in which I am the most naturally talented also tend to be the ones in which I put forth the least effort, tempted instead to “get by” on talent alone. That refusal to simply be satisfied with unthinkable natural talent is why I hold so much respect for Kobe, and that is also the type of person that Kobe tends to have high regard for.
Filed Under Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Mid-Range Jumpshot, Statistics, poor shooting | 13 Comments
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Josh,
This is a great visual and analysis. I’m going to show your work to my friends. Thanks much!
I love the hotspots thing on NBA.com to death, but I think in this case, it’s a little misleading. Such a low percentage of Lebron’s shot attempts come from the inner mid range area, and that is a particularly trick area of the court to work in. When people talk about Lebron’s midrange game, they are typically talking about his ability to shoot the midrange jumper and keep his defender honest. While it still proves you right in regards to Kobe’s superior ability in the midrange areas, I don’t think you and Bob are necessarily making the same argument.
In general, I think when you’re comparing Lebron and Kobe, you have to take a look at the sum of their parts, not just individual parts. There is more to the game than just stats, to invoke a great cliche. In this case, I think Lebron’s strongest area of the game is his ability to get to the rim and either finish or pass, an area in which I’m pretty sure we can all agree, he is by far the best.
I’d also like to submit that Lebron is looking a lot more like a young Kobe than a young MJ- as I think he has the last few years going 1 on 5 – these days. I think that during the early Kobe-Shaq years, Kobe was the most dangerous player without the ball. Even Reggie Miller, though better moving, could not compare to Kobe’s ability to either take a pass and hit a shot, or take a pass and slash to the rim. And I think if you watch the Cavs this year, Lebron just looks amazing moving without the ball, using screens, getting the ball in or near the lane with a head of steam, and he even looks better in catch and shoot situations from midrange.
spencer,
The numbers simply don’t support what you’re suggesting. The idea that LeBron can “keep his defender honest” simply isn’t supported by the numbers. If I’m defending LeBron (assuming I’m a talented NBA player, and not “me”), I’m giving him the mid-range jumpshot every time and protecting against the drive to the basket, where he’s more than twice as efficient.
Furthermore, the idea that he has even improved at “keeping his defender honest” with his jumpshot is also not true. He hasn’t really improved from any area of the court, and continues to be good only at the rim, where he dominates.
Bob’s argument was with regards to improvement — and there hasn’t been any in this area, regardless of how you look at it — and it was put in the greater context of comparing him to Kobe. And clearly, Kobe is much, much better… whether you want to phrase that as “better from mid-range” or “better at keeping his defenders honest with his jumpshot.”
Here’s something you said that I like and agree with very much:
Agreed on all counts. First, that he is indeed the best at getting to the rim. Certainly, the best playing. Possibly even better than Jordan. Definitely in the conversation for greatest of all time at that particular skill.
I also agree with you whole-heartedly that this game is about more than just stats. In fact, my latest article (also in response to the same TrueHoop bullet) is less statistically driven, and makes the point that numbers don’t tell the whole story. You should check it out, and let me know your thoughts.
That is actually a point that I have been trying to make for a while. These days, it seems as though people have moved on from the predominant idea of the last few years that Kobe was the hands down “best player in the world,” and more and more people are now crediting LeBron James with that title.
But James doesn’t have nearly the complete skill set that Bryant does. His post game is limited, while Bryant has a vast array of post moves, and is probably the most skilled post player in the game. Going hand-in-glove with that fact is Kobe’s footwork, which is unparalleled in the NBA.
Meanwhile, his mid-range game is visciously dangerous — he really does keep his defenders honest with his jumpshot — and his three-pointer, though off right now, is generally very good, and he will no doubt return to form in that area very soon, as LeBron has. In fact, he has steadily improved as a three-point shooter in his career (he shot his highest percentage from long distance in his career last year), and once he gets over this slump, I’m sure he’ll continue to improve.
He is a significantly better free throw shooter, which we’ve all seen does matter. And, as I’ve just finished writing, he’s still a bit more clutch, especially when it matters most.
Both players struggled against Boston in the Playoffs, but when you look at the numbers, you find LeBron struggled A LOT more than Kobe — and don’t forget that Boston wasn’t at their best until they got to the Finals. Through the first three rounds of the Playoffs, they were unexpectedly vulnerable, and it seemed to take them those three rounds to “figure things out.”
So since, as you correctly point out, “you have to take a look at the sum of their parts, not just individual parts,” and “there is more to the game than just stats,” I’m left wondering how it is that LeBron has usurped the title of “best in the world.” Kobe is clearly the most complete, most skilled, best all-around player in the world.
Now, there’s no denying how LeBron has been playing. He is ridiculously dominant, as an individual player. Meanwhile, Kobe has stepped back to build up his teammates. That is why I tend to say that, right now, LeBron is the more dominant player — but Kobe is still the better player.
The other term that is thrown around relates to greatness. I believe that, when talking about who is better, you’re referring to skill. When talking about who is greater, you’re talking about not just skill, but accomplishments. That’s why I say that I think Kobe is better than MJ was — I think he is more skilled all-around — but Jordan is greater — indeed, the Greatest Of All Time. Likewise, LeBron is more dominant right now, but Kobe is better (more skilled) and greater (more accomplished).
I like your thoughts on how LeBron compares to young Kobe or MJ. I actually think it’s kind of a hybrid of the two.
Your point that “young Kobe” was the most deadly player without the ball is a very astute one. Unfortunately, the team he played with between the Shaq trade and the emergence/acquisition of Bynum/Gasol last year was so bad that teams could cheat in a big way, throwing double- and tripe-teams at Bryant — not only once he had the ball, but even when he didn’t. That, combined with the fact that, out of pure necessity, he had to have the ball in his hands at most times, meant that he wasn’t really able to be the off-the-ball player that he had been.
One thing that I’ve really enjoyed this season is seeing that aspect of his game re-emerge. He hasn’t been this good without the ball in years. But this Lakers team is good enough to let him get back to that, and he has been exceptional without the ball. It has been immensely enjoyable to watch.
As for LeBron, I think he is a combination of “young MJ” and “young Kobe.”
The numbers simply don’t support the idea that “he’s better in catch and shoot situations from midrange” — regardless of how you define it, he simply has not improved from mid-range, so it’s just impossible to make that claim.
Nonetheless, he is looking much better without the ball, as you point out, and he’s getting the ball in better places, and he’s getting it with momentum, already moving towards the basket, where he is simply amazing.
I actually think he’s more like Jordan when he got some help and started thinking about passing. In that way, he’s also kinda like young Kobe, who was a much better and more willing passer than people give him credit for (he consistently led the “Threepeat” team in assists, and his assist numbers consistently went up, usually by a large margin, in the Playoffs).
Still, offensively LeBron’s game is still more reminiscent of young Mike — he’s able to get to the rim at will, but the jumpshot just isn’t there yet. And if I was the opposing coach, I really would be more than okay with giving him the jumpshot. He might get hot one night, but the averages say that most of the time, he’s going to shoot at a rate that I’m really okay with. Keep him away from the basket, don’t foul him, and he’s going to miss a lot of those mid-range jumpers.
As Jordan got older, and getting to (and above) the rim wasn’t as easy as it had been when he was younger, he developed a killer jumpshot. Sooner or later, just as it happened to MJ, it will happen to LeBron. He can’t stay young forever, and as he ages, it will become easier to keep him out of the paint. What will he do when that happens?
We’ve seen what will happen with Kobe. He’s already there. As it stands right now, if any team can keep LeBron out of the paint (a very, very tall order at this point, and not something very many teams can pull off), he’s not going to do well, and the other team is going to have a great chance. It’s nearly impossible to do, but Boston did it, and the effect was obvious. He needs to develop that mid-range, and even long-range, game, so that teams can’t take him out of the game simply by eliminating one option — getting to the hoop.
I think he’ll do that, though it may take a few years. He’s certainly not there yet, and that’s why I think he will continue to dominate against most teams, but run up against a wall when he meets the rare team that actually is capable of keeping him out of the paint.
Just like he did against San Antonio two years ago. Just like he did against Boston last year.
I think the hotspot graphs show 4 ranges: dunks/layups, post, mid-range, 3 point. If you consider the hotspot graphs with that definition, Lebron has improved significantly (0.41 vs 0.37) since last year in mid-range jump shot. He is doing worse in the post area.
Thank you Josh for the time and effort in putting up this accurrate and easy to understand analysis of the two players. Although it’s clear that Kobe is a superior shooter over the last couple of years, it’s important to note that he is not well liked by many fans and therefore not given the proper credit. I think the only way to accurately assess players is with stats (both individual and team). You can’t argue with statistics because they are the only undisputable cold hard facts about a player. Everything else is speculation, biases and prefererences of fans. A comment in this thread states “I think when you’re comparing Lebron and Kobe, you have to take a look at the sum of their parts, not just individual parts.” I agree as long as the sum refers to the sum of their actual stats, MVP awards, # of championships and not some hand-waveing statements about “value to the team” and “improved significantly”. Those statements can’t be quantified, and thus cannot be compared. They are simply opinions of who is the “best” or who is the “most improved” oftentimes stated by biased fans without any interest of finding the truth, but rather supporting their point. In fact the media does a great job of selling to the fanbase the player that David Stern finds most desirable at any particular time. So its easy to believe the hype when you hear Doug Collins or some other announcer state that “LeBron is probably the best player in the NBA right now”. In fact Kobe will never again be the darling that he was after he won his 3rd NBA championship and was on top of the world in both celebrity status and likeability. Hence, other NBA players will be lauded for their accomplishments or lack thereof and Kobe will be overlooked. It seems that perception of players heavily driven by the NBA media-machine is the determining factor of who gets credit and who doesnt, the numbers be damned! If one were to listen to the media, one would believe that Michael Jordan was the best clutch player, scorer, defender, dunker, winner of all-time. For every one of those claims the stats simply dont support such statements. Just to bring one example to mind…in a 3-year span Carmelo Anthony had more game-winners than Jordan ever had, yet you never hear about Melo as being the greatest clutch player in the game. Such is the fate of all NBA players not given the proper RESPECT by the media and subsequently the mass delusion that sets in upon the fanbase.
@jack,
I have researched the term “mid-range jumpshot,” and definitions for it vary widely. I was unable to find any consensus definition. The one I use is as common as the one you use.
Even still, it’s kind of a “six to one, half a dozen to the other” type of situation. Either he hasn’t improved from the mid-range, but is still good near the rim, or he has improved some in the mid-range, and significantly worsened in the post. Even if you take the latter, it’s (a) based on a small sample size, and for all we know, may regress toward the mean, and (b) trading one for the other, which does little for overall improvement.
What I’m trying to get at with this definition is that he struggles with basically everything that isn’t a layup or a dunk. And that, I think, is very significant information.
@PAUL–MrTripleDouble,
I’m a bit troubled by your cynicism. I don’t think I could enjoy a sport where the only way to evaluate a player, or compare him to another, is through statistics. As a devout watcher of NBA basketball (an astute one, I hope), I know for a fact that there is much that numbers cannot capture. My latest article, which I believe you also commented on, shows just such an example of that: The numbers said LeBron was better, but when it came down to it, the truth was that Kobe was better. The reality defied the numbers.
I do agree that some sort of support for your assertions must always be given — whether that is in the form of statistical data and analysis, examples of what you’re referring to, expert quotes, etc. Otherwise, you can repeat your claim as much as you want — and if you do it enough, people will believe it — but that doesn’t make it true.
But there simply is no substitute for what a skilled watcher of basketball can observe with his eyes. There is no substitute for watching the game. Now, if only we could watch all 2,460 games in the season…
Also, take note that MVP awards are completely subjective, and often viewed as popularity contests, while Robert Horry has more championships than Kobe. Meanwhile, Oscar Robertson and Wilt Chamberlain are two of the most dominant players of all time, statistically, but no one looks at them at the best or greatest.
That stat you quote about ‘Melo and Jordan… is that true? Can you back that up?
@spencer,
My wife — who has never felt the need to agree with me just because she’s my wife (I couldn’t possibly have married an appeaser) — has informed me that, while she agrees with my points, she thought my response to you could have been better. Since she agrees with my points, I’m not sure how she means it… I’m sure when she gets the time, she’ll explain it in more detail.
She did say something to this effect: “Your reply to a comment shouldn’t be longer than your original article. That’s just not right.”
What can I say? I don’t proofread and rewrite my comments, only the article itself. Surely that can’t be the only reason she didn’t like it? Anyhow — sorry if I rambled on. Hope you got the gist.
Wow. Amazing in-depth and concrete analysis. That was magnificent. Respectkobe.com bookmarked!
Josh, don’t worry about it man. I love talking basketball, enjoyed the email, and I like your site. Obviously, you’re a Kobe person, and I’m a Lebron person, but as a fan of the game who used to do the message board thing and try to have civilized discussions on subjects like this, I respect and appreciate that you’re tackling this the way you are and trying to create a place for level-headed and logical discussion about an issue that is interesting (if not all that important).
But I did have some issues with your post.
First off, I have to address the “greatness” definition. I don’t think recalling the past is necessary when discussing greatness. I mean, so often you hear people say that Bill Walton was the best basketball player in the world in 1977. Is his greatness in that year diminished by the fact that he was a no show before and afterward? Debatable, but I don’t think so, and I think most true basketball fans will agree.
No doubt, Kobe is the more complete and skilled player right now and since Jordan (though, I’d argue that Paul Pierce is equally skilled and complete, but lacks that athleticism that makes the LeBrons and Kobes and MJs who they are), but when I talk in terms of greatness and “best in the game,” I’m talking about impact on the game on a nightly basis for a certain period of time, whether you define that period as one game, one season or a decade. And I think that right now, Lebron has more of an impact on any given night than Kobe does. Great players control the game, and I haven’t seen it from Kobe this year. I’m not going to say that it won’t change in the playoffs or even a week, but so far this season, no other player in the league has compared to Lebron’s ability to control a game. I’m talking about the defense being focused on him, him making the right decisions at the right times, staying focused and stout on the defensive end and making big plays when necessary – the little things that stats don’t measure, as well as the usual stuff.
Oh, and I’d still rather have the ball in Lebron’s hands with the game on the line. If you’re talking about a catch and shoot three with .8 seconds on the clock, then yes, I’d rather have Kobe, but there are also a lot of other players now and in history I’d rather have shooting that shot than either of them (Ray Allen, Reggie Miller, Bird, etc.)
However, if you’re coming up the court MJ 1998 style (which is what I think of as “the” clutch situation), I want Lebron with the floor spread at the top of the key. If I have to come back from a ten point deficit in 3 minutes, I want Lebron with the ball because I know I am going to get good shots.
The clutch thing, though, I think it’s all a matter of preference. Some people want that Kobe-single-minded-killer mold, and I can definitely dig that. But if I have an NBA team and I’m a good coach that can put the right people on the floor, I want Lebron. You just have so many other options, with his superior ability to run a high pick and roll, along with his court vision and decision making.
Again, man, I definitely see where you’re coming from, but I’m a basketball purist and sentimentalist (word?), and this year, Kobe is just lacking that aura that he used to have. And at the same time, when you watch LeBron and the Cavs, it’s definitely there.
Back to the whole “improvement” thing, I definitely see where you’re coming from stat-wise. The numbers don’t show it, and I’m not suggesting LeBron should or could try to dominate from the midrange as Kobe does. I just think, based on watching night in and night out, that he has improved his midrange and post game significantly, even though the numbers don’t show it. More to the point, though, I just don’t think it’s in Lebron’s best interests at this point to try to play the game the way Kobe does. I definitely think that there are areas in the midrange and the post that he could exploit and use to his advantages if he learns, but he’ll never do it the same way as Kobe. He’s a different player and he plays the game differently,
In the post, for instance, he obviously doesn’t have the same footwork and array of post moves that Kobe does, but he also doesn’t go down to the post with the same intentions as Kobe. LeBron goes in the post to bully smaller and expose mismatches, while Kobe goes to the mid-post as a matter of business. And to be honest, I think Lebron in the post is a waste at this point in his career. It’s something to work on for the future, but he only has one legitimate post move he can go to if he’s going against a stout defender- the spin and the left handed baby hook or finger roll – and he doesn’t have a good enough feel for the post to be a good passer from that position. I love the post, and think it is all at once one of the coolest, roughest and most elegant aspects of the game, but in Lebron’s case – mostly because of his lack of pedigree – it’s just a complete waste of some of the best floor vision in the game.
As for the midrange game, the biggest improvement I’ve seen so far is actually getting the ball in the midrange area, rather than behind the three point line – still doesn’t happen enough, but it’s happening. That is also related to the off the ball stuff we were talking about before, but I think it’s a big step toward him getting comfortable in the midrange area and hitting those jumpshots. Remember, LeBron isn’t a pure shooter, and he definitely doesn’t have a shooters stroke – yet anyway. However, if you play too far off and let him get comfortable and get in rhythm, that is when he can hurt people with his jumper and his court vision, and that is when defenders take that fateful extra step to try to disrupt him and we see those 40-50 pt double and triple doubles. And I’ve noticed a trend this year of Lebron coming out and hitting a couple midrange jumpers at the beginning of games. I’m not claiming any statistical evidence or saying that he is even approaching Kobe-level in the midrange, but in a basketball sense, he is performing better in that area.
@spencer,
Yeah, I get where you’re coming from. Working backwards:
The Cavs’ ability to get LeBron the ball in better spots — closer in, towards the mid-range area, etc. — has definitely improved. And since he’s so dangerous getting to the rim, that’s a big deal, because he doesn’t have nearly as far to travel… especially if he’s already on the move. Big improvement over the half-court LeBron iso they used to run.
I agree with you on his post game. And if what you’re saying is that during games is not the time to develop his post game, then I’d probably agree. If he doesn’t have it, he probably shouldn’t be using it. Much like 3-point shooting, it would be good judgment not to go there too often, as it doesn’t work out well. But I think it’s something he should work hard to improve in practice time, because once he does have it, he’ll be so much more lethal in games. Again, he doesn’t need it now, but he should develop it, because he will need it against good defensive teams (i.e., Boston, San Antonio), and he will need it when he gets older.
As for playing the way Kobe does, I agree with you, to an extent. He has his own game; he shouldn’t try to play Kobe’s game. But then, it depends on how you define “like Kobe.” If by “like Kobe” you mean in the same style, then that’s just not smart. He’s got a totally different body, different strengths. He should play to his strengths. But you could also mean “like Kobe” in reference to Kobe’s career-long efforts to develop every single aspect of his game. Kobe has always wanted to be good at everything, and he’s done a pretty good job at being damn good at most things. That is what I think LeBron should emulate. It will look different on the court, but he should also strive to excel at all skills on the basketball court, because there will be times where diving to the basket with brute strength won’t work. So I don’t want LeBron to play the way Kobe does, but I do want him to develop all aspects of his game, the way Kobe has.
With regards to clutch performance, I honestly think this is a case of long term memory loss, which is common among sports fans. For example: Last season, with LeBron’s points/rebounds/assists numbers, people were talking as though nothing like this had happened since MJ. But people forget that in 2002-03, Kobe averaged 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, along with 2.2 steals and .383 shooting from 3-point range. Those first three numbers are very similar to LeBron’s. The last two are just really impressive. And he did that while playing with Shaq, who demanded the ball a lot, scored a lot of points, collected a lot of rebounds, and has always been known as a great passer. As I’ve mentioned a few times, playing with better players tends to reduce your statistics, so it should be very impressive that Kobe put up those numbers with Shaq in his (selfish) prime.
I think this is the case with Kobe and the whole “clutch” issue. You recognize Kobe’s ability with 0.8 seconds on the clock, but seem to take it as a given that LeBron is better when down 10 with 3 minutes to go. And the numbers seem to suggest this. But most recently, the numbers lied. Could it be that last year, the Lakers started needing that Kobe a lot less, and this year even more so… while LeBron had to do that on nearly a nightly basis last year?
I’ve watched every single Lakers game this year. Unfortunately, I don’t have time to do the same with the Cavs. I watch about one a week, maybe two if I’m lucky. I did the same thing last year. But I can tell you that, though the Lakers have rarely needed that Kobe, when they have, he has showed up. Virtually every time.
I also think you need to watch a few more Lakers games if you think Kobe doesn’t have that aura this year. I was pretty disappointed and frustrated with him at the start of the season. Very frustrated. But he has been his old self in the last 10 or so games. He has that aura — he’s just managing the game, saving it for when the Lakers need it, letting it out in other ways. The Cavs are much better this year, but a lot of it still depends on LeBron. They’re kind of like last year’s Lakers, who weren’t as good as this year’s Lakers. It would be foolish for Kobe to continue to try and control the game himself the way he has in the past, because he’d be stifling his team. But just pay attention to what happens on those rare occasions where they do need it. It’s still there.
Still, we can agree to disagree. I can respect your position. I think LeBron is becoming that guy. I just think that, as the Olympic Gold Medal Game showed, he’s not quite that guy yet.
Josh you know I agree with you what more can anyone say you put all the facts right on the table for everyone to see, No one can agrue and thats why I love this site sooo much.
[...] I looked at the idea that LeBron James’ mid-range jumpshot has improved this year, and found that the numbers do not support such a claim. Next, I looked at some of Bob’s other points, in which he claims that LeBron has made some [...]