In a candid discussion on his podcast with former NBA player JJ Redick, LeBron James didn’t hold back on what irks him most about today’s basketball culture.
Challenging the ‘Bag’ Narrative
For LeBron, this narrative was worn on the shoulders of players as him not having or not having a bag, which is a condition of being someone who is blessed to participate in a one-against-one, moreover which, is a condition of being someone who is gifted to enrich the element of one on one. He places more emphasis on the skills of the team than on individual skills like his; to him the team has to have the intellect and strategy.
Basketball Isn’t a Video Game
It takes only one look at the basketball game manifestation; that it resembles a one-man video game such as the old Jordans’ vs.Bird Nintendo days. One can hardly say the word basketball without thinking about this particular quote from the basketball legend: “Basketball is a team game, that’s played by five players.” While using undefended spot does not hurt, it is also required to be aware of the fact that the players, who would follow you in this case, are there to defend.
Reading the Game
LeBron James broke down the necessity of passing the ball at the right moment and figuring out how open his teammates are. It is not all about pinpointing the best matchup, but rather, that you have the knowledge of the defensive adjustments and apply logic into making the appropriate decisions. Next he pointed out, that self-confidence in team mates was vital and it’s up to the team leader to get everyone to participate in achieving the goal.
Facing Double Teams
On the other hand, the thing that frustrates Lebron on playing with the team members who lack double team respect is also emphasized. He recalled anecdotes where the opposing players had come to him and complained about being denied a two-on-one chance when they were on a scoring streak. Wiseman insisted that the players would be required to be prepared for such unforeseen events. And he stressed that the player’s teammates should be capable to take the team to a higher level.
Teamwork, in that case, is the essence for the dream to be achieved.
Ultimately, LeBron’s message is clear: in basketball everyone is a part of a team, and wins are built on the number of wins the team is able to put on the board. This is not just the individual ability or scoring that we need, but it is more about the right choices, support from teammates and the collective goal.
Although the sport is mostly about highlight reels and individual supremacy, James stands out as somebody for whom teamwork and basketball brain are more important than anything else.
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