LeBron James is known for many things on the court, such as his consistency, longevity, high basketball IQ, and his ability to analyze opponents’ game plans and coach his teammates accordingly. Sometimes, this leads him to override the coach’s play and implement his own strategy.
In the latest episode of ‘Mind the Game,’ he told JJ Redick about the recent game they played against the Los Angeles Clippers and how he vetoed Darvin Ham’s play, opting instead to run a play of his own that proved effective for them.
LeBron James explains guarding Kawhi Leonard
In the last matchup against the LA Clippers, LeBron admitted that he overruled the head coach, Darvin Ham’s strategy, and implemented his own play where he could guard Kawhi Leonard himself. This strategy proved successful for the Lakers as they went on to win the game, once again highlighting James’ superior basketball IQ.
LeBron James explained, “We had switching built in versus Kawhi and versus James and whatever the case may be, and I vetoed it in the second half, I know T-Lue more than any other player that’s ever been with T-Lue, and I know he plays target ball too. It got to a point where I knew in order for us to get back into the game, switching anybody else onto Kawhi is not favorable for us. So I might as well get ready for [the next game].”
LeBron led the 19-point comeback in the Lakers’ win against the Clippers on February 28th, outscoring the entire Clippers by himself in the 4th quarter. James has a long history with Kawhi, and he knows how lethal he gets with his skills, so he decided to guard him one-on-one.
Why LeBron James hates Kawhi Leonard?
It’s been a long journey of battles between future Hall of Famers LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard, dating back 11 years ago when the James-led Miami Heat faced off against the San Antonio Spurs in 2013, with Kawhi just a rookie. Although Miami won the championship that year, they failed to repeat it the following year, as the Spurs emerged victorious, with Kawhi earning the Finals MVP title.
Kawhi’s defensive prowess has always troubled James whenever they face each other. While there may not be a traditional rivalry between them, their matchups have always been must-watch, filled with tension and thrilling moments.
While Kawhi may have the upper hand in the number of matches they’ve played against each other, LeBron James holds the statistical advantage. Currently, both players compete in the Western Conference. Although the Clippers have secured a clear playoff spot, the Lakers are striving to avoid the play-in tournament and secure a direct playoff berth. There’s a possibility that we’ll witness both teams facing off in a seven-game series during the playoffs.
