LeBron James, a 21-season NBA veteran playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, expressed his frustration with the emphasis on individual play and isolation in today’s NBA games in a recent podcast with former player J.J. Redick. James criticized the trend among younger players to focus on having a “bag” (a repertoire of offensive moves) and playing one-on-one instead of prioritizing team play in a five-on-five game. He emphasized the importance of making the right reads, instilling confidence in teammates, and being prepared for defensive help when facing a favorable matchup.
James highlighted the need for players to understand that even in favorable matchups, great teams will often send help defense, requiring the offensive player to make the right decisions and involve their teammates. He shared anecdotes of players who were more interested in playing one-on-one than in working with their team to create scoring opportunities. While James himself is known for his physical advantages and scoring ability, he has also evolved into a great distributor, averaging 8.1 assists per game this season.
Despite his criticism of the current trend towards isolation play, James acknowledged that there are still promising young players in the league who excel at passing and playmaking. Players like Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder have shown a strong understanding of team play and the ability to create scoring opportunities for their teammates. While the focus on individual skills and isolation play may be prevalent among some younger players, there is still hope for the future of team-oriented basketball.
James’s observations highlight a broader shift in basketball culture towards individualism and one-on-one play, which he finds concerning as a veteran player who values teamwork and strategic decision-making on the court. He emphasizes the importance of players being able to adapt to defensive strategies and involve their teammates in order to succeed in a team sport like basketball. While individual skills and scoring abilities are important, James believes that a strong team dynamic and understanding of the game are essential for long-term success.
As the oldest player in the league, James brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation about the evolution of basketball and the challenges facing young players. His perspective on the importance of teamwork, decision-making, and understanding defensive strategies serves as a valuable reminder for players at all levels of the game. By sharing his observations and experiences, James hopes to influence the next generation of players to prioritize team play and strategic thinking in order to achieve success in the NBA and beyond.
