Quarter. Nobody during his generation came close to matching his dominance as a scorer. Now? Career 2022-23 Player News. Before this? But James, with 38,390 points, has broken Abdul-Jabbars record at 38 years old, an age long after most players are done scoring any points, much less the 30.2 points per game James is averaging this season. Even if these shots have been inefficient, how much damage can roughly three shots per game really do? This isn't to say that James won't stop shooting jumpers and that he won't occasionally jack up a lazy jumper. The area where he can do the most damage in the upcoming Game 5 will be from beyond the arc. Barry poured in an astounding 36.3 points per game in the Finals, the most in NBA history. But the pressure is no greater than in a Game 7 and in the heat of the moment, no player has scored like Durant who can get his from any spot on the floor against one, two or even three defenders. debate. WNBA all-time (since 1997) unless otherwise noted. Last year, LeBron took 36.9 percent of his shots in the mid-range and 36.6 percent of shots at the rim. James rock-steady counting statistics only create the impression that his game is standing still. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). But that impression of consistency might actually undersell the amount James has changed his game in 19 NBA seasons, and as he chases down the all-time regular season scoring record, hed like some credit. How does the Lakers duo compare? Kobe Bryants PER is top 20 all time, but LeBron James is No. Shot Clock Range. LeBron was incredible in the mid-range this postseason, making 59-of-121 (48.8%) so good it would have been a playoff best % for Kobe Bryant. AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/MI/NH/NJ/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. LeBron is more of the Magic JohnsonOscar Robertson ilk, two guys who needed teammates around them so they can flourish with their dominating court vision and basketball IQ. Add in LeBron's evolution as a 3-point shooter he's quietly become one of the NBA's best at making step-back 3s and it's apparent that James can beat opponents in more ways than even Jordan. His 118 50-point games are 87 more than Jordan, who has the second-most. Last season, 31 players averaged at least three mid-range attempts, and James only hit 34.3 percent of them the worst mark of the entire group. His jump shot might be less effective, but LeBron James is finding success by eliminating mid-range shot attempts. Jenkins changed his rotation, going away entirely from reserve forward David Roddy. According to ESPN when James does hit free agency he doesnt want big elaborate pitches from teams. LeBron, though, is still having a great season and were it weren't for a certain someone who plays for the Warriors and wears No. Look for the market for James to really heat up the next week, but once James hits free agency dont expect him to take a ton of time to make the decision. He is a University of Maryland alum. The team seems likely to end up in the play-in tournament. James has only made five shots from beyond According to the Pelicans, McCollum consulted See More at HoopsRumors Brandon Ingram ET on Friday. Players cant simply attack the basket on every possession. The line for LeBron James is just past the 38,387 points scored by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. So, its fine. Jamess made shots have been 53 percent 2-pointers, 10 percent 3-pointers and 36 percent free throws. Chart showing the share of 3-pointers, 2-pointers and free throws by all players over time. ESNYs 2023 MLB Preview: Giants are a New York rival again. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. LeBron will play better, Davis said. Hell get better. Lakers | LeBron James. Overlapping James production from 10 seasons ago to now will show some common traits. Abdul-Jabbar accumulated many of his points by perfecting his signature shot, the sky hook. James mid-range game particularly his fadeaway is beautiful when Grant Williams, MarJon Beauchamp, Miles McBride and Miles McBride are all shooting 100% from long distance. And James, the player who saved the Lakers at the end of regulation and in overtime Monday, couldnt make a positive imprint in his first chance to close out the Grizzlies. Duncan Robinson caps off the top five with 76.5%. This is what you play an entire season for.. For all of Harden's playoff warts, it's tough to argue against his brutally efficient isolation scoring. Lakers vs. Warriors: Second-round scouting report, prediction He set the record in 1984 and finished his career five years later with 38,387 points. ), At Willie Nelson 90, country, rock and rap stars pay tribute, but Willie and Trigger steal the show, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame receives No. James doesnt do it the mid-range way. WebLatest on Los Angeles Lakers small forward LeBron James including complete game-by-game stats on ESPN But he never tried more than three in a single season and he made only one: in 1986-87. LeBron James jogged backward, lips pursed after another jumper rattled in and then bounced out. A glance over LeBron James career stat page initially paints a portrait of bedrock consistency. The N.B.A. Last year, LeBron took 36.9 percent of his shots in the mid-range and 36.6 percent of shots at the rim. Larry Nance.5864: 60. He turned the ball over five times in 37 minutes and vowed hed be better in Game 6. WebLebron James Mid Range Percentage. Ja Morant: 31 PTS 10 REB 7 AST pic.twitter.com/DhpqGMhzK2, The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 27, 2023. However, he's developed into a reliable shooter from beyond the arc as he ages. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. has developed over the last 50 years. Subscribe to Stathead , the set of tools used by the pros, to unearth this and other interesting factoids. What Magic Johnson and Larry Bird did in the 1980s was the idea of basketball. He hasnt officiallyopted out of next year with the Cavs but that is the exception. The vast array of moves is deeper than any big in league history. Gambling Problem? They had to have that closers mentality or ultimately pay the consequences as LBJ does to this very day. LeBron is the youngest player to reach 30,000 points at 33 years old. Chamberlain critics claim his preposterous numbers are inflated, merely a product of his generation. James finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, shooting 5-of-17 overall and 1-of-9 from 3-point range. Anthony Davis led the way with 31 points and 19 rebounds, a strong response after a quiet Game 4 but it wasnt nearly enough. James entered play with a career record of 40-10 in games where his team could end the series with a win, according to StatMuse. But when these shots go in at roughly equal rates, it becomes REALLY hard to tune out the math. Fans seem frustrated by Bickerstaff more than Koby Altman. Taking a closer look. We are the original Soulmate Sketch and have been featured on TV, so you can expect high quality work from a real psychic with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Eligibility restrictions apply. So, as long as Im in this league and the game changes again and Im still in it, hopefully Ill be able to continue to have that growth mindset and continue to adapt.. TRB% since 1970-71. The best percentagefor Bryant was in 1998 where he shot 47.4 percent from the field but he only attempted 19 shots that year. He's also taking six percent fewer threes (excluding corner threes, where his percentages are roughly the same) than he did last year. Gambling problem? His 32 60-point games are over five times as many as anyone else. LeBron James had statistically one of his best regular and postseasons ever. In 2020-21, Davis has been subpar from this area of the floor, making only 36.3 percent the 2nd-worst rate of the 29. Lakers | No other than His Airness Michael Jordan. By this point, everyone knows the shortcomings of the mid-range when it comes to efficiency, but for some players, they actually are efficient shots. Cavs Reacts Survey: J.B. Bickerstaff under pressure? Jaren Jackson Jr. added 18 points and 10 rebounds. Were going to need even better from them in Game 6. He can still being up the ball and initiate the offense - and that's definitely something the Cavs should do - but he can give the Cavs some variance if he comes off the ball as a cutter. Think of MJs career. The Lakers made only 10 of 39 from three-point range. Its just an example for every player to put the work into his craft.. He has a total of 53 Badges in which 5 of them are Hall of Fame Level. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. Try a week on us. The Lakers didnt fold despite being down by 14 at the end of the first quarter and 17 deep into the second. You have the most points scored ever, youre the best basketball player to ever touch the court.. His inefficiency could unlock a ton of chances for the squad to start making an impact in Game 5. It came on the road against the Phoenix Suns on his only 3-point attempt of the game. Of course, clutch stats go beyond simply hitting shots with all zeros on the clock. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. To finish off a comeback in this series, the Memphis Grizzlies are going to need a lot more of it. Whether he's attacking in isolation, posting up or cutting off ball, James is most effective when he's inside. The answer is LeBron, remarkablybut hes less than halfway to Wilt Chamberlains total. has won 65.0 percent of the time in his career. Irving's recent scoring exploits showcase on-ball wizardry unrivaled by anyone in league history. 3. Your high quality sketch and reading will be delivered to you via email within 8 hours. Among 60 players averaging at least 4.9 shots per game within five feet of the basket, here are the five most efficient scorers this season. While James hasnt decided yet whether to pick up his player option, sources close to the situation tell ESPN that he has no intention of hearing elaborate pitch meetings from teams. At his best, he uses his size and speed to bully defenders, get optimal position and either score or get to the line. ESNYs MLB 2023 Preview: Just what is next for the Miami Marlins? Ultimately, while James often says hes humbled to be listed among the greats, his desire to shape his legacy still drives him he still wants the respect he believes hes still due. LeBron James: 35.5 percent from three, 36.9 percent from mid-range. Even when teams can contest James' shot, James getting inside makes the Cavs harder to defend overall. James and the Lakers were getting avalanched. LeBron, as a way to counteract his jump shot becoming less effective, has largely abandoned the mid-range game altogether. Swanson: LeBron James, Lakers are much better in closeout win, as promised Bane has found his rhythm in this series. He just doesnt possess the right pieces around him that allow his unique and phenomenally talented skill-set to flourish 100 percent of the way. He could be the first player to score 40,000 points. While James might not have his version of the skyhook, he's a more well-rounded scorer with more answers to increasingly complex defenses. Do yourself a favor and Google "Bird left-handed game.". LeBron James is better than those two guys. About 70 percent of Abdul-Jabbars made shots were 2-pointers, with 30 percent free throws. Detlef Schrempf.5858: 61. The Lakers couldnt end it. Even contemporaries like Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony are often considered better bucket-getters than James, who even called himself not a natural scorer. While it might be a semantics-driven discussion, it does motivate James. (Well, maybe.). Now, it's clear that James isn't as explosive as he once was back in his second stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Its a simplistic notion that holds true from every angle. While it makes sense for many players struggling from the mid-range like LeBron to simply reallocate some shots to the 3-point line, but its not clear this is the optimal solution for Davis. James isn't the best shooter from beyond the arc, but his ability to knock down 3-pointers could be one of the biggest changes in their quest to defeat Memphis. This year, LeBron has flipped those numbers. If they don't have an open shot, said shooter can a) either re-post James or b) swing the ball around the perimeter in search of an open three. It is what it is. James averaged 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.6 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game in the finalsbecoming the first person to lead all five statistical categories for players on both teams in the finalsand was unanimously named finals MVP. (Credit to NBA.com and basketball-reference for statistics and House of Highlights for GIF). With almost half of the season in the books, the Nets are shooting an astonishing 51.3 percent in the mid-range. He was especially good range from hitting from the midrange during the And finally Iverson. One reason for that is because of his inefficiency to knock down attempts from beyond the arc. The top four players off the Lakers bench Dennis Schroder, Rui Hachimura, Troy Brown Jr. and Malik Beasley struggled. By contrast, James's career postseason scoring average is nearly two points higher than during the regular season and increased from the regular season in six of his last seven playoff appearances. He was especially good range from hitting from the midrange during the postseason. Theres just one tiny problem with this comparison: There is no comparison. We were told we wont be here in the first place, said Lakers coach Darvin Ham, whose team is the No. The reason for the ghastly confusion has nothing to do with some of his questionable off-the-court decisions, such as The Decision. It has nothing to do with flopping or his perceived whining on the court. It didnt seem like anyone could. That's not a very efficient way to distribute shots for a player He has won the Rookie of the Year award, 4 MVP awards, 4 Finals MVP awards and 4 NBA championships. And it shouldnt be overly surprising if one or both manages to flip a switch and improve from this area once the playoffs start for the Los Angeles Lakers. Explore all Los Angeles Lakers NBA player stats - including scoring, rebounding, shooting, assists & more! While people expect LeBron to take Dillon Brooks down the paint to put him on a poster, the chances of that happening is highly unlikely. during Abdul-Jabbars career, while they have been a much larger part of the league during Jamess career. Lakers | James is hitting just under 48 percent of his jump shots. Teams now structure their offenses to get 3-point shots. The four-time MVP is averaging an embarrassing 18.5% from downtown, which is the lowest in his 20-year career. Jamess brilliance put three Cavs teams in the position to play in the NBA Finals when they had no business being there. A 4-time MVP thats larger than life and always in contention, seeking all there is to offer in Los Angeles by playing for the Lakers after a delivering a title and dominating for the hometown team. The fadeaway and quick-pivots all from a mid-range post or face-up is now a mythical quality thanks to Jordan and his six NBA Championships. Follow Joe on Twitter @joevardon, LeBron James vows hell be better for the Lakers after Game 5 dud. Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Caris LeVert absolutely has interest in re-signing. Had a fourth-quarter shoulder injury not sidelined Kennard, Dillon Brooks, a lightning rod for controversy in this series, may not have been back out for the fourth quarter. It turns out that numbers can lie or, more precisely, obscure the truth. 30 games) that have averaged at least two 3-point attempts this season, only two are shooting worse from downtown than Davis 28.6 percent. Note: Data is through Feb. 7. In fact, hes a completely different player all together. Odds and lines subject to change. Memphis forces a Game 6 after a dominant Game 5 performance over the Lakers.